*Navy decorates newly promoted commanders, captains, commodores
Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, and Chief of Army Staff, Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, yesterday, participated in the decoration of the newly promoted 47 Major Generals of the Nigerian Army.
The Edo State Governor, had earlier congratulated senior army officers of Edo State origin who have been promoted to the rank of Major Generals in the Nigerian Army.
In a statement, the governor hailed them for being worthy ambassadors of the state, hailing their invaluable contributions to the peace, security and territorial integrity of the nation.
He said: “It is with great pride that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the senior military officers of Edo State origin who have been elevated to the rank of Major Generals, in recognition of their outstanding commitment to the Nigerian Armed Forces, as well as their hard work, sacrifice and meritorious service to our great nation.
“I offer my sincere felicitations to Maj.-Gen TB Ugiagbe, Acting Chief of Military Intelligence; Maj.-Gen. JE Osifo, Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration; Maj.-Gen. M.O Ihanuwaze, Director Budget Army Headquarters, Maj.-Gen SI Musa, Director Legal Services (Army), and Maj.- Gen EO Agbebaku.
“As a government, we take immense pride in the fact that our sons in the Nigerian Army have continued to display the indomitable Edo spirit, which places hard work, diligence, and determination as core virtues in pursuit of excellence, and we celebrate their genius and accomplishments.
“Your promotions come at a critical and challenging time in our history when the country is in dire need of distinguished individuals with the zeal, expertise, and leadership skills to brave the odds in tackling the various security challenges it faces head-on.
“I am confident that you will bring your zest and unparalleled expertise to bear in addressing these challenges, ensuring the safety and security of our people.”
The governor extended his best wishes even as he expressed the hope that their well-deserved elevation will bring about improvements in military operations and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to overcome the nation’s myriad of security challenges.
The Nigerian Navy also decorated 22 senior officers promoted to the rank of commander, captain and commodore from their previous ranks.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the Nigerian Army Headquarters in Abuja, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, who was the special guest of honour, urged the newly promoted senior officers to lead by example.
The Army Council had on December 21 approved the promotion of 47 brigadier generals to the rank of major general, while 75 colonels were elevated to the rank of brigadier general.
“This promotion is a beacon of hope to all Nigerians and a call to elevate your efforts in the fight against insecurity especially in the North West and other parts of the country.
“Your promotion is a testament to your many years of hard work, dedication, and commitment to serving our great nation. As a Nigerian, I know firsthand the sacrifices that come with attaining this height. It takes a lot of courage, discipline, and resilience to rise through the ranks.
“I am also aware of the rigorous process of selecting those being honoured here today and I am bold to say you are all indeed one of our finest breed and the nation is proud of you,.
“You have all shown exceptional leadership skills, strategic thinking and a deep understanding in the course of your careers. Your contributions to the Nigerian Army are invaluable, and we are confident that you will continue to serve our nation with honour and distinction,” he said.
Lagbaja, in his speech, congratulated the newly decorated major generals, and said their promotion was a reward for their hard work and commitment to duty.
Lagbaja said the Nigerian army as a system frowned at incompetence and urged them to give their best having attained the level of policy formulation in the Nigerian army.
He urged them to be logical and objective in their professional dealings in order to deliver on his command philosophy.
He advised those, who did not benefit from the promotion to see it as a challenge and work harder for it in the future.
“I want to add that getting here is not the end, what you do with the rank and the responsibilities that comes with it count tremendously.
“Going from here, I must remind you that you have now joined the system and going forward, when you point a finger at the system, know that four fingers are pointed at you and the rest possibly misdirected.”
In his vote of thanks on behalf of other decorated officers, Maj Gen GTO Ajetimobi, said they were highly motivated with their new rank.
He also pledged unalloyed loyalty and dedication to duty in line with the army chief’s command philosophy.
The newly decorated Major Generals included Onyema Nwachukwu, WB Etuk, JE Osifo, WM Dangana, TB Ugiagbe, ASM Wase, MA Abdullahi, BI Alaya, AO Oyelade, OO Arogundade, EI Okoro, CR Nnebeife, FU Mijinyawa, MT Abdullahi, M Adamu, ND Shagaya, ME Onoja, MO Erebulu, BA Ilori, MO Ihanuwaze, EE Ekpenyong, SI Musa, M Galadima, and AP Ahmadu.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Navy also decorated 22 senior officers promoted to the rank of commander, captain and commodore from their previous ranks.
The Navy Board had on December 21 approved their promotions to the new rank.
The senior officers decorated with rank of commodore and captain were TM Abdulrahim, Captain BA Kuton, Captain TS Ngada, Captain GU Nwabunike, Captain OE Oladipo, and Captain SM Tasiu.
Those decorated with the rank of Captain were Commander BI Hadi, Commander EO Omeje, Commander TG Abusi, Commander NF Omeire, Commander OA Ekokotu, Commander TG Adeyemi, Commander AM Idu, Commander YA Kurba, and Commander RE Oparaji.
Officers decorated with the rank of commander included Lt Commander S Munnir, Lt. Commander AS Adamu, Lt. S Nenshi, Lt. Commander Y Tegina, Lt. Commander S Yakubu, LT. Commander RO Iyinbo, and LT. Commander IK Mohammed.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, charged the newly promoted officers to be more dedicated to their duties.
The CNS, who was represented by the Chief of Naval Policy and Plans, Rear Admiral Joseph Apkan, said the officers emerged successful after rigorous screening.
“Promotions in the military, though really regular, do not connote a process that lacks regorous scrutiny and fairness.
“Therefore, any of the successful officer seated here today cannot take this particular promotion for granted that is why we follow this age long tradition to formally decorate the successful senior officers at each of the promotion boards,” he said.
