By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force (South-South) Operation Delta Safe, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, has charged officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to remain disciplined, professional, and committed to the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities, while emphasizing the importance of unity, sacrifice, and family values.
Maj. Gen. Emekah gave the charge during the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir (Sallah) celebration and Children’s Day festivities held at the 3 Battalion Effurun Barracks, Warri, Delta State.
Addressing troops, officers, their families, and invited guests during the Sallah luncheon, the GOC described Eid as a period that transcends celebration, noting that it embodies virtues such as sacrifice, humility, patience, discipline, and love for one another, qualities that align with the core values of the Nigerian Army.
He commended troops for their courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s security despite numerous operational challenges.
According to him, “The significance of Eid extends beyond celebration. It teaches sacrifice, humility, discipline, patience, and love for one another. These values align perfectly with the ethics and traditions of the Nigerian Army. Our troops continue to make sacrifices daily to ensure the security and stability of our country, and I commend them for their dedication.”
The GOC also appreciated military families for their enduring support and sacrifices, describing them as a vital source of strength for personnel deployed across various operational theatres.
Reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to professionalism and troop welfare, Maj. Gen. Emekah said the Army remains focused on the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, aimed at transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient force capable of addressing contemporary security challenges.
Similarly, during the Children’s Day celebration, the GOC stressed the need for collective investment in the younger generation, describing children as the future leaders whose development would determine the destiny of the nation.
He urged children to remain obedient, disciplined, hardworking, and focused on their education, while encouraging them to cultivate values of patriotism, innovation, and responsibility.
“Children are the leaders of tomorrow. The values, education, discipline, and care we provide today will shape the future of our nation. Nigeria needs young people who are responsible, innovative, patriotic, and determined to contribute positively to society,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Commander, 63 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 1, Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe, Brigadier General MA Shonibare, described the Sallah celebration as an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of unity, comradeship, and mutual respect among officers, soldiers, their families, and friends of the Brigade.
He noted that the lessons of Eid—sacrifice, obedience, patience, compassion, and love, remain central to military service and the discharge of constitutional duties.
The Brigade Commander lauded officers and soldiers for their professionalism, resilience, and unwavering commitment to peace and security within the Brigade’s area of responsibility and beyond.
Brig. Gen. Shonibare also paid glowing tribute to the GOC for his exceptional leadership and support towards troop welfare and operational effectiveness.
At the Children’s Day event, he described children as “precious gifts from God and the foundation upon which tomorrow is built,” emphasizing the need to provide them with quality education, discipline, protection, and opportunities to realize their dreams.
He encouraged the children to remain focused on their studies, respect their parents and teachers, and develop the character traits necessary to become responsible leaders in the future.
In his vote of thanks at the Sallah celebration, the Commanding Officer, 3 Battalion (Rear), Maj. A. Haruna, expressed profound appreciation to the GOC and Brigade Commander for their unwavering support towards the welfare and operational readiness of troops.
He also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, sister security agencies, and Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, noting that their cooperation has significantly enhanced security operations and the protection of critical national assets within the Niger Delta region.
Maj. Haruna further commended officers and soldiers for their discipline, loyalty, professionalism, and sacrifices in service to the nation, while appreciating military families for their patience, prayers, and encouragement despite the demands of military life.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), the Zonal Coordinator, Mrs. EO Shonibare, expressed gratitude to the leadership of 6 Division and 63 Brigade for prioritizing the welfare of troops and their families.
She noted that Children’s Day celebrations provide an avenue for strengthening family bonds, promoting unity, and creating lasting memories for children within the military community.
Mrs. Shonibare encouraged the children to remain focused on their education, obedient to their parents and teachers, and committed to pursuing their dreams.
She also commended parents, guardians, and caregivers for their sacrifices and dedication in nurturing children despite the unique challenges associated with military life.
The twin celebrations featured cultural displays, entertainment, interactive activities for children, and moments of fellowship among officers, soldiers, families, and invited guests, further reinforcing the Nigerian Army’s commitment to troop welfare, family cohesion, and community development.
The events ended with prayers for peace, unity, and continued success of the Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities, as participants expressed appreciation for the leadership and welfare initiatives of the military hierarchy.