In a resplendent ceremony at Headquarters 3 Division, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Rukuba Jos, Major General AE Abubakar, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), adorned the newly promoted senior officers and soldiers with words of inspiration and responsibility.
Major General Abubakar emphasized the need for these newly promoted personnel to be exemplary figures for their colleagues and subordinates. He highlighted the significance of their promotions, attributing them to hard work and dedication to service. Acknowledging the growing challenges of insecurity in the nation, he urged them to be innovative in tackling these issues.
The GOC/Commander OPSH also stressed the importance of earning the respect of the public by being responsible and available to protect citizens from criminal elements. He encouraged these officers to draw inspiration from the “People-centric Armed Forces” command philosophy of the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff, emphasizing that their allegiance must remain with the citizens and the constitution.
Furthermore, Major General Abubakar called on the newly decorated officers to prioritize the welfare of their families and the personnel under their command, emphasizing that the military thrives on leadership by example.
Ambassador Ayo Luta-Egbemode, Deputy Monitor-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Senior Executive Course 45, commended the Nigerian Army’s leadership and its contributions to the country. She urged the newly promoted senior officers to maintain unwavering commitment to the safety of their troops, uphold high levels of discipline and professionalism, and act as mentors to junior officers and soldiers.
Representing their fellow officers and soldiers, Colonel Sherrif Fagbemi and Warrant Officer Abubakar Musa expressed their gratitude to God, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), and the GOC 3 Division for their promotions. They pledged to align with the COAS’s command philosophy and uphold the core values of the Nigerian Army.
The event was graced by numerous dignitaries, including government officials, captains of industries, senior officers, and participants from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS) Senior Executive Course 45, as well as family members and friends. The ceremony included the decoration of the newly promoted senior officers and soldiers, valuable words of advice, and group photographs to mark the occasion.