THE Nigerian Army is set to retire 53 troops’ colours, to unveil 28 new ones on Thursday, as about 81 NA units will be participating in trooping and presentation of colours parade which was last conducted in 2007.
President Muhammadu Buhari members of the National Executive Council, concerned state governors, military chiefs, and members of the diplomatic corps, among others, are expected to be present at the parade.
Since 2007, new units have been established and operationalised in line with the increasing operational commitments of the Nigerian Army as well as provisions of extant Nigerian Army “Order of Battle”.
During a press conference at the Army Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, noted that the army was excited to host what he tagged one of its historic traditional events.
Nwachukwu said, “Historically, the origin of colours dated back to the early days when men fixed their family badge to a pole and held it aloft in the battle for the dual purpose of indicating their position and as a rallying point, should the occasion arise. This tradition was sustained by medieval chivalry as armorial bearings were placed on their banners so that these could be seen well above the melee.
