President Muhammadu Buhari is set to unveil 81 national and regimental colours for newly established and operationalized units, as well as retired unit colours of the Nigerian Army.
This announcement was made by the Army’s Director of Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, during a briefing with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday.
The last trooping and presentation of Colours Parade for the army units was conducted in 2007.
Since then, new units have been established and operationalised in line with the increasing operational commitments of the army, as well as provisions of its extant Order of Battle (ORBAT).
Colours are usually retired after 10 years of service, and most of the colours in the Nigerian Army have been used in multiple operations in various geopolitical zones of the country as well as foreign countries, hence deserving retirement and the presentation of new ones.
He said:
“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.”
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria would be at the as the special guest of honour and reviewing officer.
Nwachukwu said:
“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.
“Others are Service Chiefs, past Chief of Army Staff, senior military officers both serving and retired, captains of industries as well as other important dignitaries.”
Nwachukwu, an expert in military history, has emphasized the importance of national and regimental colours in the Armed Forces of Nigeria. These colours serve as a source of identity and pride for army units during parades and ceremonial activities. They create a feeling of pride in soldiers and ex-soldiers alike.
Throughout history, colours have inspired heroic acts of self-sacrifice and have become a symbol of the fighting spirit of regiments. They also represent the campaigns, battle honours, and badges granted to the regiment in commemoration of the gallant deeds performed by its members from the time it was raised.
The Commander added:
“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.”
