ABUJA, Nigeria – Mediaage NG News – The Nigerian Army on Thursday decorated newly promoted senior officers with the rank of Major General. It had on 21 December, approved the promotion of 47 Brigadier-Generals to the new rank of Major General.
They were encouraged to put in more efforts in addressing security challenges in the country.
Seventy-five other Colonels were promoted to the rank of Brigadier Generals and will be decorated at their respective units and formations.
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, said the promotion of the officers is a proof of reward for years of service to the country, born out of hard work and commitment.
Mr Matawalle appreciated the newly promoted personnel for showing exceptional leadership qualities and deep understanding in the course of their careers.
“Your contributions to the Nigerian Army are invaluable, and we are confident you will continue to serve our nation with honour and distinction. I urge you to continue leading by example and inspiring others to better your footsteps, Mr. Matawalle said.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Taoreed Lagbaja urged the newly decorated officers to be logical and objective in their professional dealings, and put in their best in delivering on his command philosophy.
“Today, these 47 newly decorated Major Generals have ticked the necessary boxes and have been rewarded for their hard work. Gtting here is not the end (but), what you do with the rank and the responsibilities that come with it counts tremendously”, he daid..
“I must remind you that you have now joined the system, and going forward, when you point an accusing finger at the system, know that four fingers are pointed at you and the rest possibly misdirected”, he added.
Speaking on behalf of the decorated senior officers, Gideon Ajetunmobi, expressed gratitude to the president for authorising their promotion to the rank of major general in the Nigerian Army.
Mr Ajetunmobi also thanked the president for providing the chief of army staff, the enabling environment guidance and support to accede to his command philosophy to transform the army into a well-trained and highly motivated force toward achieving its constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.
He said the promoted officers were highly motivated to remain committed and dedicated to the services of the Nigerian Army and the nation in general.
Also, one of the newly decorated officers, Major General Sinyinah Nicodemus, in a reception held in his honour at the Martha Bamaiyi Multi-Purpose Hall, NAOWA Model Primary School, Abuja, appreciated the Nigerian Army for the opportunity to serve the country in a higher capacity.
He pledged to contribute his years of service to the improvement of security around the nation