NADCEL 2026: COAS REWARDS OUTSTANDING STUDENTS, ADVANCES YOUTH ENGAGEMENT FOR NATIONAL SECURITY
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). 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.
APPOLONIA ANELE
Colonel
Acting Director Army Public Relations
4 July 2026
Boy Who Saved Gen. Amgbazo at 13 Becomes Army Captain, Marries
On September 17, 2006, I survived a tragic Nigerian Army aircraft crash over Benue Valley. In that moment of uncertainty, help came from the most unexpected place—a 13-year-old boy from Mbakunu in Kwande LGA of Benue State.
His name was Detimbir Chia. Untrained, unprepared, yet courageous, he played a critical role in saving my live that day. I made a decision then: such courage must not go unnoticed. I took responsibility for his future and supported his journey into the Nigerian Army.
Yesterday, April 4, 2026, I stood in honor as that same young boy - now Captain Chia- got married.
From a crash site in 2006… to a wedding altar in 2026. 20 years of destiny.
From a brave village boy… to a decorated officer of the Nigerian Army.
This is not just a story of survival. It is a story of destiny, opportunity, and what happens when we invest in people.
I am proud of the man he has become.
Also glad to share this special moment with distinguished personalities, including former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam.
Indeed, some encounters are not accidents - they are divine appointments.
Credit: General Nuhu Bala Amgbazu
FROM BUKURU TO BAUCHI RING ROAD 🛣️ | 1H 26MIN. After a week off, I laced up again—Bukuru → Old Airport → Abattoir → British → Ring Road. Not the fastest, but every step was pure joy 🏃🏽♂️🔥