Gen Musa Bows Out With Honour, A Hero’s Farewell, Calls To Keep Nigeria United

By Anthonia N Okwuolise

It was a day filled with emotion, pride, and deep reflection as the Armed Forces of Nigeria on Thursday, October 30, 2025, rolled out the drums in honour of one of its finest and most respected officers, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, who officially retired from active military service after almost four decades of selfless service to his fatherland.

The grand pulling-out parade, which took place at the Mogadishu Cantonment in Abuja, was a colourful and memorable ceremony that reflected the high regard and admiration the military institution and the nation hold for General Musa. It was a day of honour for a man who gave his all in the defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity. The event drew together an impressive gathering of dignitaries including the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Service Chiefs, former Chiefs of Defence Staff, members of the National Assembly, heads of security agencies, captains of industry, traditional rulers, senior military officers both serving and retired, family members, friends, and well-wishers who came to celebrate a soldier who had served with distinction.

From the precision of the ceremonial parade to the solemn march past by the troops, every moment of the event radiated respect and admiration for a man whose leadership had come to symbolize courage, discipline, and devotion to duty. The parade ground was charged with emotion as soldiers, guests, and colleagues paid their final salute to a leader who had spent almost 40 years serving the country with unwavering dedication.

In his heartfelt valedictory address, General Musa spoke with humility and gratitude, thanking God for the privilege to serve his country. He expressed appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the confidence reposed in him to lead the Nigerian military at a crucial time in the nation’s history.

Looking back on his 39 years and four months in uniform, General Musa described his journey as one filled with honour, sacrifice, and divine favour. He spoke with emotion about the courage of the troops, their resilience in the face of danger, and their steadfast loyalty to the mission of defending Nigeria. According to him, the men and women of the Armed Forces represent the best of the nation’s values and have shown extraordinary bravery even in the toughest times.

He said that it had been the highest honour of his life to serve and lead such courageous officers, adding that the unity and discipline of the military must remain the foundation of Nigeria’s strength. He urged all members of the Armed Forces to remain loyal, professional, and committed to the ideals of service, reminding them that defeat is only temporary but victory is everlasting.

General Musa also used the occasion to thank Nigerians from all walks of life for their support and prayers, especially the youth whose resilience and faith continue to inspire hope for the country. He acknowledged the vital role of the media in nation-building, describing them as important partners in the task of promoting peace and unity. He also commended the cooperation between the Armed Forces and other security agencies, including the Police, DSS, NIA, and DIA, stressing that their synergy has greatly contributed to strengthening national security.

In a very emotional part of his speech, General Musa turned his appreciation to his family, describing his wife and children as the silent heroes behind his success. He acknowledged their patience, love, and sacrifices throughout the long years of service that kept him away from home for extended periods. He said their strength and understanding made his duty possible, and that their support gave him the courage to face every challenge.

Although he has retired from active service, General Musa made it clear that his love for Nigeria remains strong and unwavering. He said that even without the uniform, he remains a soldier at heart and a patriot who will always stand for the unity and progress of Nigeria. According to him, retirement only marks the end of one chapter, not the end of his commitment to the peace and prosperity of the nation.

He called on Nigerians to continue to support the Armed Forces and pray for the troops who risk their lives daily to protect the country. He also reminded all security agencies that no single institution can secure the nation alone, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration, teamwork, and shared commitment to the common goal of peace and stability.

General Musa expressed appreciation to the current Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, and the Ministry of Defence for organizing what he described as a well-coordinated and deeply moving ceremony. He dedicated the event to all officers and soldiers who continue to serve in different parts of the country, protecting the peace and integrity of Nigeria with courage and honour.

The ceremony featured several symbolic moments, including the ceremonial parade, the lowering of the colours, and the official pulling-out of General Musa from active service. The atmosphere was filled with pride and emotion as the soldiers marched past in slow, dignified rhythm, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in the life of a man who gave his best years to the nation.

As the event drew to a close, one could sense that it was not just the retirement of a soldier but the celebration of a legacy. General Musa leaves behind a record of leadership built on discipline, humility, and faith in Nigeria’s potential. His name will be remembered for his calm but firm approach to leadership, his deep sense of responsibility, and his constant message of unity and patriotism.

His parting message was simple yet powerful. He called on every soldier and every Nigerian to keep believing in the country, reminding everyone that Nigeria remains worth fighting for. His words echoed through the parade ground like a solemn oath of hope and love for the nation.

The event ended with smiles, tears, and applause as friends, colleagues, and dignitaries celebrated a man who had served with distinction and honour. General Christopher Gwabin Musa may have left the parade ground, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations of soldiers and citizens to come. His story remains a shining reminder that true service to one’s country is not just about wearing the uniform, but about loving the nation deeply and serving it faithfully to the end.