President Muhammadu Buhari will unveil 81 national and regimental colours for the newly constituted and operationalized units of the Nigerian Army, as well as retired unit colours of the Nigerian Army.
Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army’s Director of Public Relations, stated this while addressing journalists on the Trooping and Presentation of Colours Parade. Nwachukwu, a brigadier general, stated that the last trooping and colours parade for army units took place in 2007.
He went on to say that additional units have been developed and operationalized since then to meet the army’s rising operational responsibilities as well as the provisions of its current Order of Battle (ORBAT). He stated that colours were often discontinued after ten years of service.
According to him, most of the colours in the Nigerian Army have been used in many operations in various geopolitical zones of the country as well as foreign countries, and hence deserve to be retired and replaced with 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 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,” he said.
President Buhari, he says, is the special guest of honour and reviewing officer in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. 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.
Why are New Colours Significant for the Nigerian Army?
Nwachukwu stated that the national and regimental colours carried by army units during parades and ceremonial engagements served as a source of identity and pride not only for the units involved but also for the army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He stated that throughout history, colours have served as motivation for heroic acts of self-sacrifice and have become a symbol of regimental fighting spirit.
He stated that the colours also represented the campaigns, battle awards, and badges bestowed upon the regiment in recognition of the courageous exploits committed by its troops since its inception.
Nwachukwu encouraged cars to take alternate roads and all nearby routes to the Eagle Square on Thursday from 5.00 am to 1.00 pm local time.