The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, has charged newly promoted senior officers of the Division to remain committed to providing purposeful and exemplary leadership to their troops.
The GOC gave the charge on 4th December, 2025 during the decoration ceremony of senior officers promoted from Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel and Colonel to Brigadier General, held at the Hippo Officers’ Mess, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Major General Mijinyawa congratulated the newly promoted senior officers on behalf of the officers and soldiers of the Division, commending them for their dedication, discipline, hard work, and unwavering commitment to duty. He noted that the Division’s success in meeting its mandate under the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy for the year was due to the relentless efforts of the promoted officers, alongside other senior officers, officers, and soldiers of the Division.
He described the promotions as merit-based and urged the senior officers to continue demonstrating leadership by example, providing direction and mentorship to their troops, and working towards earning their next ranks. He also appreciated the spouses of the promoted senior officers for their support, which enables the officers to perform their duties effectively.
The newly promoted senior officers included Brigadier General IB Sheriff, Chief of Staff 9 Brigade, Brigadier General MI Abdulkadir, Deputy Chief of Staff (Training and Operations), Headquarters 81 Division, and Brigadier General OS Idowu, Commander 81 Division Medical Services and Hospital. Others include Colonel OA Olubo, Acting Director, 81 Division Education Services and Colonel M Bwete, Chief of Staff, 104 Division Equipment Support.
In their vote of thanks delivered on behalf of the newly promoted senior officers, Brigadier General IB Sheriff, expressed gratitude to God Almighty and to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, for considering them worthy of elevation. He also thanked the GOC, as well as their respective Commanders for their strategic guidance and mentorship, pledging renewed dedication and commitment in their new roles. He further appreciated their families, friends, colleagues, well wishers, and subordinates for their support and prayers.
The colourful ceremony was graced by the Commandant Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management Maj Gen AC Adetoba, the President Mess Committee 81 Division Officers’ Mess, Brig Gen UD Igbokwe, Chief of Staff Headquarters 81 Division Brig Gen MA Oloyede, Commander 9 Brigade, Brig Gen AO Owolabi, Formation Commanders, Staff Officers, invited dignitaries including the Chairman House
Committee on Marine and Blue Economy, Hon Abdussamad Dasuki, former GOC 1 Division Maj Gen MB Obi (rtd), AVM AA Zannah (rtd) and family members as well as well-wishers of the newly promoted senior officers.
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