Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, on Saturday extolled the sacrifices of the Nigerian Army, paying special tribute to fallen and injured heroes.

Mr Sani made the commendation at the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2025 Gala Night, held at the Yar’Adua Multipurpose Hall, Kaduna.

The governor also expressed deep gratitude to the chief of army staff and the gallant soldiers, serving and retired, for their unwavering service and loyalty to our nation and constitution.

He said, “I honour the sacrifices of our fallen and injured heroes, especially those who helped restore peace in Kaduna State. On behalf of our people, I pledge continued support for their families and a strong commitment to their welfare.”

According to him, hosting this year’s celebration was a great privilege for Kaduna State.

Mr Sani said, “I reaffirm our partnership with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to strengthen security and thanked the chief of army staff for the event’s excellent organization. May the Nigerian Army continue to grow in strength and honour as they celebrate their 162nd anniversary.”

Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede said, “Tonight as we continue to celebrate the giant strides of the Nigerian Army, it is with great pride that we recount our journey and evolution of over a century and a half.”

Mr Oluyede said despite the myriads of security challenges, as an army, they have continued to triumph in all their theatres of operations.

He said the Nigerian Army under his leadership would continue to transform and reposition itself for greater impact.

He stated, “We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring we maintain and even improve upon the successes we have recorded. Let me salute the courage, resilience, and professionalism of our officers and soldiers, past and present. The depth of your courage and bravery in the face of adversity remains unbridled. To the families of our fallen heroes, we owe you an eternal debt of gratitude. Their lives remind us that freedom is never free and although they are gone, they live on through you.’’

The army chief appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership and support to the Nigerian Army.

He said, “My gratitude also goes to our host, Governor Uba Sani for gracing this event and for his support to the Nigerian Army since he assumed office.”

Mr Oluyede also appreciated the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, for his leadership, applauded the service chiefs and heads of other security agencies.

He stated, “To our esteemed former chiefs of defence staff and chiefs of army staff here with us this evening, I thank you individually and severally for laying the foundation that we are building upon as we hold forth the reigns.’’

(NAN)