The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Wednesday hosted Christian and Muslim personnel of the Nigerian Army to a combined inter-faith Iftar in Abuja, urging officers and soldiers to strengthen unity, discipline and mutual respect within the force.

The event, held at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess 1 in Asokoro, brought together officers and soldiers serving in Army Headquarters Departments and Commands within Abuja for a joint breaking of fast during the ongoing Muslim Ramadan and Christian Lenten seasons.

Addressing the gathering, Lieutenant General Shaibu described the rare coincidence of the Christian Lenten season and the Muslim Ramadan fasting period as spiritually significant, noting that the convergence highlights the beauty of diversity and shared values among personnel of different faiths serving under one national mandate.

He emphasized that Nigeria’s diversity in tribe and religion should serve as a source of strength rather than division, urging troops to imbibe the virtues reflected in both fasting traditions such as discipline, sacrifice, humility and devotion, and translate them into their professional responsibilities.

The Army Chief also reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s loyalty to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while acknowledging the administration’s continued support to the Armed Forces.

He further charged personnel to remain resolute in defending Nigeria’s democratic system and ensuring that citizens across the country can pursue their socio-economic activities without fear.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also commended troops deployed in various theatres of operation for their courage, resilience and sacrifices in safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General IM Abdullahi, described the gathering as historic and spiritually symbolic.

He noted that the simultaneous observance of Ramadan and Lent reflects shared virtues upheld by both Christians and Muslims, including discipline, sacrifice, humility, compassion and charity.

Major General Abdullahi added that the Nigerian Army remains a professional institution where personnel from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds are united by a shared commitment to national service.