Buhari, Service Chiefs, Others to Attend Parade of Army’s New Regimental Colours

•Motorists urged to seek alternative routes

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Nigerian Army Headquarters, yesterday, said President Muhammadu Buhari would Thursday unveil 81 national and regimental colours for the newly established operationalised units and retired unit colours of the Nigerian Army.

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, said  the trooping and presentation of colours parade would take place at the Eagle Square, Abuja.

He said President Buhari, the service chiefs, captains of industry were expected to be at the event.

Nwachukwu said the last trooping and presentation of colours parade for the army units was conducted in 2007, adding that new units were established and operationalised since then in line with the increasing operational commitments of the army as well as provisions of its extant Order of Battle (ORBAT).

Noting that the colours were usually retired after 10 years of service, the army spokesman stated that, most of the colours in the Nigerian Army had been used in multiple operations in various geopolitical zones of the country as well as foreign countries, hence deserving retirement and the presentation of new ones.

“It is against this backdrop and in line with the traditions, customs and ethics of the Nigerian Army, trooping and presentation of colours parade 2023 will be conducted to retire torn or worn out colours. A total of 81 units will, therefore, be participating in the parade, 53 colours will be due for retirement, while 28 will be presented to new units.

“The event is a unique ceremony not only to the units eligible for colours presentation, as many are looking up to this ceremony to witness the height of military discipline and regimentation. No doubt the parade will win more admirers for the Nigerian Army as it will provide another opportunity to showcase its reputation for excellent and colourful parades,” he said.

While disclosing that Buhari would review the parade, he added that, “The event will also have in attendance members of the National and Executive Council, members of the Diplomatic Corps and Governors of the States benefitting Units.

“Others are Service Chiefs, past Chief of Army Staff, senior military officers both serving and retired, captains of industries as well as other important dignitaries.”

Nwachukwu explained that the national and regimental colours carried by army units during parades and ceremonial activities were important source of identity and pride not only for the units involved but for the army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

He added that the sight of the colours created a feeling of pride in soldiers and ex-soldiers, noting that, from ancient history, colours had served as inspiration for heroic acts of self-sacrifice and became the symbol of the fighting spirit of regiments.

He further explained that colours also symbolised the campaigns, battle honours and badges granted to the regiment in commemoration of the gallant deeds performed by its members from the time it was raised.

“The association of the colours with heroic deeds of the units emblazoned on them has led to the custom of regarding the colours with veneration,” he said, even as he advised motorists to make use of alternative routes and all proximate routes to the Eagle Square from 5.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. on Thursday.