By Victor Akaa.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa has charged the 35 newly promoted senior officers who were decorated with the ranks of Major Generals that the Nigerian Army and entire Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to rely on their leadership and expertise to safeguard the country and its citizens.
The CDS stated this at the decoration ceremony of the senior officers held at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess 1, Asokoro, Abuja, on Monday.
According to the Director Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu in a statement said
General Musa commended the senior officers for their courage, dedication to duty, professional conduct, and sacrifices, which earned them their elevation.
The CDS, who was the Special Guest of Honour, emphasized the security challenges facing the nation and the need to tackle them head-on.
He affirmed that the promotion of the senior officers is a beacon of hope to all Nigerians and a call to reinvigorate their efforts in the fight against security challenges.
The Defence Chief charged the newly decorated senior officers to remain loyal, dedicated to duty, and defend democracy in Nigeria.
He also called on them to improve the welfare of the troops under their command and ultimately enhance the Armed Forces through their actions.
Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, congratulated the families of the decorated senior officers, acknowledging that their achievements would not have been possible without the support and prayers of their loved ones.
He charged the officers to always keep their new status in mind and justify the confidence reposed on them by the Nigerian Army and the nation.
General Oluyede emphasized the need to give life to his command philosophy, which aims to consolidate the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a well-motivated and combat-ready force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
Speaking on behalf of the promoted senior officers, Major General LG Lepdung appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for endorsing their promotion to the rank of Major General. Major General Lepdung said the promoted officers will remain highly motivated and dedicated to the service of the Nigerian Army and the nation in general, in consonance with the COAS command philosophy. He assured of their dedication to the ideals of the service and will work collectively for the greater good of the Armed Forces and the nation.
The Defence Chief extended appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for finding the officers worthy of promotion and assured of their steadfastness in serving the nation.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including the Chairman Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulazeez Musa Yar’dua, and the Chairman House Committee on Army, Honourable Aminu Balele. The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and representatives of the Chief of the Air Staff, former Chiefs of Defence Staff, and the President of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives’ Association (NAOWA) were also present.
The event marked a significant milestone in the careers of the decorated officers, as they embark on new challenges and responsibilities in their service to the nation.
Enugu Reporters reports that the ceremony was a testament to the Nigerian Army’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding excellence, and the decorated officers are expected to continue to demonstrate the highest level of professionalism and leadership in their future endeavors.
As the nation continues to face numerous security challenges, the decoration of the 35 senior officers is a welcome development, and their expertise and leadership will be crucial in addressing these challenges. The Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces as a whole are expected to continue to play a vital role in safeguarding the country and its citizens, and the decorated officers will be at the forefront of this effort. With their new ranks and responsibilities, they are expected to inspire and motivate their troops, and to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of the nation.
