The Nigerian Army on Thursday April 27, retired 53 regimental colours used in the order of battle, at the Trooping and Presentation of Colours Parade in Abuja.
President Muhammadu Buhari who’s the commander-in-chief of all armed forces presided over the event which took place at the Eagle Square Abuja.
The Nigerian Army also used the avenue of the event to issue colours to 28 newly formed units, making the number of units in the country’s army 81.
The Informant247 gathered that the colours retire after serving for ten years.
The spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu revealed that the last time the country conducted the trooping and presentation of colours parade was in 2007.
He said the new units had been in existence since then in accordance with the operational needs of the army and its extant Order of Battle.
He said most of the colours have been made use of in many sections of the country and outside the country.
He submitted that they need to retire and that the Nigerian Army needs to present new ones.
Nwachukwu said that “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 colour 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.”
While explaining the meaning of colours, he said that “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.”
Reactions as Buhari dresses in full military attire
The images of President Muhammadu Buhari dressed in full military uniform have generated reactions on social media.
The Nigeria’s president appeared at ongoing Nigerian Army trooping and presentations of colours parade 2023 holding at the 2023 at Eagle Square Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The president appeared at the occasion in his generalship military uniform, being the commander in chief of the all armed forces.
Buhari, who arrived Eagle Square in Abuja, venue of the parade, at about 10:18am was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Prof Ibrahim Gambari.
The Nigerian leader, who was dressed in full military attire made a review of over 1,000 military officers who stood on the parade ground.
In attendance were the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor; the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, and the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Baba.
Also in attendance were the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao.
The Senate President Ahmad Lawan was also present at the event.
