Abuja: On Thursday, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu paid a courtesy visit to the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, to seek royal blessings and traditional support for ongoing military operations nationwide.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, on Thursday in Abuja.
Shaibu said the visit was to express appreciation to the monarch and the council of Obas for their continuous support to the Nigerian Army, adding that customs and traditions remained critical to sustaining national cohesion.
He commended Oba Akiolu for his fatherly guidance to Army formations in Lagos, describing the royal backing as invaluable to operational effectiveness and civil–military cooperation.
Responding, the Oba of Lagos praised the Army for its sacrifices and role in stabilising the country, noting that the military remained a key pillar of Nigeria’s security architecture.
Akiolu lauded the COAS for his leadership and commitment to peace and offered prayers for his successful tenure as the 25th Chief of Army Staff and for lasting peace in the country.