Vice President Shettima, Governor Sanwo-Olu Grace Opening of 2025 Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference in Lagos
Abalti Barracks, Ojuelegba | Monday, 15 December 2025
Nigeria’s national security leadership converged in Lagos on Monday as the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, and the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, formally opened the 2025 Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference at the prestigious Nebo Hall, Abalti Barracks, Ojuelegba.
The opening ceremony, marked by pageantry, strategic reflection, and high-level dialogue, brought together the country’s top military commanders, senior government officials, and key legislative representatives, reinforcing the central role of the Nigerian Army in safeguarding national stability and advancing defence reforms.
In attendance were the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, alongside his wife; and the Minister of Defence, Retired General Christopher Musa. Also present were Hon. Jimi Benson, representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Senator Azeez Musa Yar’Adua, representing the President of the Senate, as well as other senior army officers and dignitaries.
The ceremony was further dignified by the presence of Mrs. Mariya Lagbaja, wife of the late Chief of Army Staff, underscoring the enduring legacy of service, sacrifice, and continuity within the Nigerian Army.
Delivering remarks at the conference, Governor Sanwo-Olu welcomed the nation’s military leadership to Lagos and reaffirmed the State Government’s unwavering support for the Armed Forces. He commended the Nigerian Army for its professionalism, resilience, and evolving strategic posture in addressing contemporary security challenges, while highlighting Lagos State’s commitment to collaboration in areas of security, infrastructure, and urban resilience.
The Vice President, in his address, underscored the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen Nigeria’s defence architecture through strategic leadership, inter-agency cooperation, and sustained investment in capacity building. He described the annual COAS conference as a critical platform for introspection, innovation, and policy alignment within the Nigerian Army.
The 2025 COAS Annual Conference sets the tone for the year’s operational priorities, offering a forum for strategic review and forward-looking engagement aimed at enhancing national security and reinforcing Nigeria’s defence capabilities in an increasingly complex global environment.
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