The 1 Division of the Nigerian Army in Kaduna transformed into a vibrant hub of celebration on Wednesday as veteran Nigerian dancehall musician Daddy Showkey delivered an electrifying performance for wounded soldiers and their families.
The event, organized to mark the Christmas festivities, was spearheaded by the Tribute to Our Troops Foundation in collaboration with the Office of the Chief of Defense Staff and the leadership of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Daddy Showkey, famously known as the “Ghetto Soldier,” donned military regalia as he took the stage, belting out hits that resonated with the troops. Speaking to journalists, the veteran artist shared his heartfelt reason for performing at the event, saying, “This is my way of honoring our military heroes who have sacrificed so much for Nigeria. Music is therapeutic, and I hope it brings some comfort and joy to them amidst their challenges.”
Showkey added that beyond entertainment, his mission was to inspire and uplift lives, emphasizing, “It’s not just about music; it’s about making a positive impact on people’s lives, which is the most important thing to me.”
Ms. Olivia Adom, founder of the Tribute to Our Troops Foundation, highlighted the event’s purpose of fostering respect and appreciation for Nigeria’s armed forces. “This gathering is about honoring our troops and reinforcing civil-military relations,” she said. “We aim to remind Nigerians of the sacrifices made by these brave men and women who give up their freedoms to safeguard our nation’s integrity.”
Rear Admiral Idi Abass, Chief of Civil-Military Relations at Defence Headquarters, described the performance as part of the military’s non-kinetic approach to strengthening bonds with civilians. “The Chief of Defence Staff’s vision is to create a people-centric armed forces, and events like this help project the military positively to the civilian population,” he explained.
The event saw participation from high-ranking military officials, including the Corps Commander Artillery, Major General Marcus Kangye, and the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Mayirenso Saraso.
In addition to the musical performance, the gathering brought together members of the barracks community and civilians, reflecting unity and shared celebration.
The Tribute to Our Troops Foundation reiterated its commitment to honoring Nigeria’s fallen heroes while celebrating the resilience and dedication of serving members of the armed forces.
This initiative underscores the importance of gratitude and camaraderie as the nation celebrates its heroes this festive season.
