The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Saturday, 4 July 2026, presented cash prizes to winners of the Quiz, Debate, Essay, Poetry and Arts Competitions organised as part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026).
A statement signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele Acting Director army public relations said the initiative reflects the COAS’ strategic commitment to harnessing the intellectual potential of Nigerian youths in support of national development and the attainment of enduring national security.
The COAS stated that the competitions were deliberately designed to encourage critical thinking, innovation, patriotism and responsible citizenship among young Nigerians, while strengthening the bond between the Nigerian Army and educational institutions. He stressed that achieving national security requires a whole-of-society approach, with the youth playing a pivotal role in promoting national unity, resilience and sustainable peace.
Among the award recipients were Officer Cadet Olokor Razak Oghale, a First Term cadet of the Nigerian Defence Academy, who emerged winner in the Tertiary Poetry category; Master Shittu Muyide Marvel, a 500-level student of Medical Sciences at the University of Ilorin, who won the Arts Competition; and Master Abdulmalik Ibrahim, a 400-level Computer Science student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, who secured third position in the Tertiary Arts category. Other winners included Master Emmanuel Chibuzo Chukwu, Master Daniel Akinyiwola, Miss Amen Gloria, Miss Amina Mustapha and Miss Angel Olaedo Egbukohia, who excelled in the various poetry categories.
The awards highlights the resolve of the Nigerian Army to recognise excellence, inspire the next generation of patriotic leaders and deepen the Nigerian Army’s Civil-Military Cooperation engagements. As activities commemorating the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration continue, the Nigerian Army remains steadfast in fostering strategic partnerships with the nation’s youth to build a secure, united and prosperous Nigeria.
