The Nigeria Christian Civil Chaplain Corps (NCCC), a faith-based non-denominational organisation, has congratulated the newly appointed Service Chiefs of the Nigerian Armed Forces, describing their emergence as timely and strategic for strengthening the nation’s security architecture.
President Bola Tinubu had, on Friday, approved the appointment of new Service Chiefs in what the Presidency described as part of efforts to enhance operational efficiency within the military. According to a statement issued by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede, formerly the Chief of Army Staff, now serves as the Chief of Defence Staff.
Major-General Waili Shaibu was named the new Chief of Army Staff, while Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke assumes office as the Chief of Air Staff. Rear Admiral Idi Abbas was appointed as the Chief of Naval Staff. The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, however, retains his position.
Reacting to the appointments in a statement issued in Uyo on Sunday, the Corps Public Relations Officer, Daniel Eloyi Ocholongwa, said the Chaplain Corps, under the leadership of its Commanding Officer, Chaplain Daniel Joe Alimi, commends President Tinubu for what it described as a “strategic and visionary decision.”
Ocholongwa expressed confidence that the newly appointed military chiefs will bring renewed discipline, professionalism, and commitment to Nigeria’s security system. He assured the military hierarchy of the Chaplain Corps’ continued prayers and moral support, stressing that national security depends not only on tactical strength but also on moral and spiritual resilience.
“We celebrate your appointment and the weighty responsibility it carries. We commit ourselves to upholding a posture of prayer, moral support, and cooperation with you, so that our beloved nation may experience both security and spiritual flourishing,” the statement read in part.
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Chaplain Alimi prayed for divine wisdom, courage, and sound judgment for the new Service Chiefs as they assume their roles, reaffirming the Corps’ solidarity with the Nigerian Armed Forces in defending the country’s sovereignty and peace.
He further reiterated the NCCC’s readiness to collaborate with the military and other security agencies through interfaith dialogue, moral reorientation, and community-based peacebuilding initiatives.
“The challenges before you are many, but so is the promise of a united and peaceful Nigeria. May you be guided by integrity, service, and humility,” he added.
The NCCC restated its commitment to promoting peace, unity, and spiritual renewal across the country while supporting all security formations in the collective quest for lasting national stability.