Ayomidele Oluwasusi
Abuja – The Nigerian Army (NA) has dismissed a report which claimed that it only operates a School of Islamic Affairs and neglects other religions.
The NA branded the report as “misleading” and “false”.
In a statement, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, denounced the report as propaganda aimed at portraying the army as promoting religious bigotry.
Nwachukwu emphasised that the army values diversity and inclusivity, and the report does not reflect the institution’s true character. The army assures that it caters to the religious needs of all personnel, regardless of their faith.
“The Nigerian army is a secular organisation that upholds the principle of religious freedom for all its personnel and ensures that personnel irrespective of ranks is free to practice their religions without any form of bias or endorsement of a specific religion.
“Our unwavering commitment to secularism guarantees that religious diversity is respected and accommodated, allowing soldiers to observe their faith without hindrance to their duties.”
Nwachukwu, clarified that the Nigerian Army operates multiple religious training institutions to cater to the diverse faiths of its personnel.
These institutions include the Nigerian Army School of Islamic Affairs in Ikeja Cantonment, Lagos, the Nigerian Army Protestant Training School in Yaba, Lagos, and the Nigerian Army Chaplain Catholic Training School in Ojo Cantonment, Lagos.
“The schools regularly engage in interfaith collaborations, promoting unity and cohesion among personnel.
“The Army’s commitment to secularism aims to foster a professional and inclusive environment, free from religious discrimination or bias, where individuals can serve their country without fear of persecution.
“This approach ensures that all officers and soldiers can practice their beliefs in a supportive and respectful setting, promoting diversity and inclusivity within the Army.
“The Nigerian army remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the values of secularism and religious freedom, ensuring that all personnel can serve with dignity and respect for their individual beliefs,” the army spokesman said.
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