The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army (NA) and Force Commander Operation WHIRL PUNCH, Maj Gen MLD Saraso on Sunday paid a condolence visit to the family of his former boss and 24th GOC 1 Division, Maj Gen DRA Ndefo (retd) who passed on a few days ago.
The GOC described the late senior officer as a gentleman and a detribalize Nigerian who treated all officers and soldiers under him fairly with dignity and with the utmost respect.
He applauded the great qualities of the deceased and his mentorship/guidance which he said contributed to making him who he is today.
He recalled with nostalgia the love shown him by the deceased while serving under him as Adjutant in Depot NA and Aide-de-camp /Military Assistant at Headquarters 1 Division over 20 years ago.
The GOC who was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Ada Saraso, Comd 1 Provost Group Brig Gen AH Ibrahim, Comd 1 Military Intelligence Brigade Col AS Aliyu, and the Deputy Director Army Public Relations Lt Col MA Yahaya were received at the deceased senior officer’s family house at Jabi, Abuja by his eldest son Chukwudi Ndefo and other family members.
Maj Gen Saraso sympathized and empathized with the family over the sad incident and urged them to be strong and take solace in the fact that their late father and his former boss lived a good life worthy of emulation by all. He prayed to God to grant him eternal rest and give his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
The GOC also extended the condolences of the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, officers and soldiers of the NA as well as that of officers, soldiers, and civilian staff of Headquarters 1 Division Nigerian Army to the family.
He requested the family to furnish the Division with deceased burial plans through the Army Headquarters to enable the Division to key into the programme. He assured the family of his support and that of the Division during this trying moment.