In line with the activities marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026, the 7 Division Nigerian Army, Maiduguri, on 3 July 2026 organised a public speaking engagement for students of Government College Maiduguri and Command Secondary School, Auno, at Government College Maiduguri.
A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Haruna Mohammed Sani Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 7 Division Nigerian Army said the engagement underscored the Nigerian Army’s commitment to youth development, civic responsibility and national unity as it commemorates its 163rd anniversary of dedicated service to the nation.
It was also designed to educate the students on the dangers of cultism, drug and substance abuse, and other forms of criminality. It also enlightened them on career opportunities in the Nigerian Army, enlistment requirements, the Army’s values of professionalism, camaraderie and inclusiveness, civil-military relations, community development initiatives, patriotism, and the importance of honesty and integrity. The engagement was centred on the NADCEL 2026 theme, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.”
Delivering the opening remarks, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Brigadier General Solomon Diwa, represented by the Deputy Director of Islamic Affairs, 7 Division Nigerian Army, Colonel Mohammad Ahmad, expressed gratitude to Almighty God for the Nigerian Army’s achievements and enduring service to the nation. He reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and collaborative force capable of effectively addressing contemporary security challenges within a joint and multi agency environment.
He also appreciated the management, staff and students of Government College Maiduguri and Command Secondary School, Auno, for their warm reception and support. He noted that the engagement was aimed at promoting patriotism, educating young Nigerians on Army ethics and recruitment processes, and creating awareness on the dangers of cultism and drug abuse. He therefore urged the students to pay close attention to the presentations and make good use of the knowledge shared by the resource persons.
Delivering the key note address, the Special Guest of Honour, the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Borno State, represented by the Director of Science and Technical Education, Mr Matawalle Ahmed, commended the Nigerian Army for its sacrifices in restoring peace and creating a secure environment that has enabled schools across Borno State to flourish. He noted that the Army’s support to schools, protection of educational institutions and sustained youth engagement have contributed significantly to lasting peace and development in the state.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian Army through the promotion of peace education, civic responsibility, vocational skills and patriotism, while encouraging the troops to remain professional and continue serving with dedication and respect for human rights.
In his remarks, the Principal of Government College Maiduguri, Mr Abba Ali Laddan, expressed profound appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu for the initiative and the General Officer Commanding 7 Division Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Solomon Diwa, for selecting the school to benefit from the initiative. He described the outreach as timely, impactful and inspiring, noting that it had broadened the students’ understanding of patriotism and career opportunities in the Nigerian Army.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of NADCEL branded educational materials, the distribution of souvenirs to participating students and a group photograph. The event was attended by the Director of Science and Technical Education representing the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, commanders of units under 7 Division Nigerian Army, Principal Staff Officers of the Division, school administrators, teachers and other members of the school community.
