The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Saturday presented cash prizes to winners of the quiz, debate, essay, poetry and arts competitions organised as part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026), reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to youth engagement and national security.

Speaking during the award presentation, Shaibu said the competitions were designed to encourage critical thinking, innovation, patriotism and responsible citizenship among young Nigerians while strengthening ties between the Nigerian Army and educational institutions.

He said national security could only be achieved through a whole-of-society approach, stressing that young people have a vital role to play in promoting national unity, resilience and sustainable peace.

Among the winners was Officer Cadet Olokor Razak Oghale of the Nigerian Defence Academy, who emerged winner in the tertiary poetry category. Also honoured were Shittu Muyide Marvel, a 500-level Medical Sciences student of University of Ilorin, who won the arts competition, and Abdulmalik Ibrahim, a 400-level Computer Science student of Ahmadu Bello University, who secured third position in the tertiary arts category.

Other award recipients included Emmanuel Chibuzo Chukwu, Daniel Akinyiwola, Amen Gloria, Amina Mustapha and Angel Olaedo Egbukohia, who excelled in the various poetry categories.

The Nigerian Army said the awards underscore its commitment to recognising excellence, inspiring the next generation of patriotic leaders and strengthening civil-military cooperation through sustained engagement with young Nigerians.

The awards ceremony formed part of activities commemorating the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration, with the Army reaffirming its commitment to building strategic partnerships with youths in support of a secure, united and prosperous Nigeria.