The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has hosted officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to a combined inter-faith Iftar in Abuja, emphasizing unity, discipline and shared values among personnel.
The event, held on Wednesday at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess 1 in Asokoro, brought together Christian and Muslim officers and soldiers serving in Army Headquarters Departments and Commands within the Federal Capital Territory for a joint breaking of fast.
Speaking at the gathering, Lieutenant General Shaibu said the rare coincidence of the Christian Lenten season and the Muslim Ramadan fasting period carries deep spiritual significance and important lessons for members of the Armed Forces.
He explained that the simultaneous observance of the two religious periods highlights the beauty of diversity as part of God’s design, noting that although people belong to different races, cultures and faiths, they remain united under one divine purpose.
The Army Chief stressed that Nigeria’s diversity in tribe and religion should be seen as a source of strength rather than division. He urged officers and soldiers to embrace unity, dedication and discipline—virtues reflected in both fasting traditions—and apply them in the discharge of their professional duties.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, while acknowledging the administration’s continued support to the military.
He further charged personnel to remain committed to defending Nigeria’s democratic system and ensuring citizens can carry out their socio-economic activities without fear, while commending troops on the frontline for their sacrifices in safeguarding the nation.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General IM Abdullahi, described the gathering as historic and spiritually significant.
According to him, the event reflects the unity, mutual respect and shared purpose that define the Nigerian Army, adding that the simultaneous observance of Ramadan and Lent symbolizes the common values upheld by both Christians and Muslims, including discipline, sacrifice, humility, compassion and charity.
He noted that the occasion reinforces the Nigerian Army’s identity as a professional family where personnel from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds remain united in service to the nation.
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