Nigerian Army Participates in Benin Republic’s 66th Independence Anniversary Parade
The Nigerian Army has participated in the 66th Independence Anniversary celebration of the Republic of Benin, held on August 1 at the Esplanade de l’Amazone along Boulevard de la Marina in Cotonou.
The Nigerian Army contingent, drawn from the 9 Brigade, joined senior government officials, military leaders, diplomats and representatives of allied countries at the ceremony.
The event was presided over by the President of Benin Republic, Romuald Wadagni, who delivered the presidential address and reviewed the ceremonial parade mounted by the Benin Armed Forces, participating allied contingents and personnel of the Nigerian Army’s 9 Brigade.
The General Officer Commanding 81 Division of the Nigerian Army was represented at the ceremony by the Commander, 9 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. A.O. Owolabi.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were former Benin President Dr. Thomas Boni Yayi, the Nigerian Defence Attaché to Benin Republic, the Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, senior military officers and other distinguished guests.
The participation of the Nigerian Army contingent underscored the longstanding military cooperation and cordial bilateral relations between Nigeria and Benin Republic, particularly in the areas of regional security, defence cooperation and cross-border collaboration.
The anniversary featured colourful military displays and other ceremonial activities and concluded peacefully without any reported security incident.
By TimesNG