President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the task of building a nation where peace reigns is the duty of all Nigerians.
The President said this at the 2013 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, held in Abuja.
President Jonathan said that the Armed Forces should device a way of retaining and encouraging the best brains they have, even after retirement.
The President commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Onyeabor A Ihejirika, for the well thought out strategies used to combat security challenges, which has brought about peace in the Northern region of the country.
The President noted that the military operation in the northeast of the country has brought about peace, but not without sacrifices, from our military personnel.
The President called on the Armed Forces to adhere strictly to the internationally approved rules of engagement which place value on human lives.
He noted the Nigerian Army's effort at barracks' rehabilitation and maintenance of equipment. He pledged his commitment to continue to support them.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Olusola Obada said that the Nigerian Army is combat ready, disciplined and is one of the finest and most modern Army in the world.
She praised the role of the army in dislodging terrorists in the North East of Nigeria and in the maintenance of law and order.
She said that the Nigerian Army is one of the pillars that is holding our nation together as one indivisible whole.
The Minister of Federal Capital territory, Senator Bala A. Mohammed, thanked the Minister of State for Defence for keying into the President's Transformation Agenda, for securing FCT and for the choice of Abuja to host the 2013 Army Day Celebration.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Onyeabor A Ihejirika said that the history of the Nigerian Army dates back to 1863, when Lt. Glover of the Royal Navy selected 18 Nigerians and organized them into a local force.
Lt. Gen Onyeabor Ihejirika said that the restructuring of the civil military affairs is to provide an interface between the Nigerian Army and the civil populace. He added that the Army Transformation Centre was also introduced to enhance its ability.
The Armoured Personnel Carrier (IGIRIGI) that was manufactured in Nigeria led the display of armoured vehicles, armoury and personnel, during the occasion.
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