…DECORATES 23 NEWLY PROMOTED OFFICERS
By Okosun Dennis
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Obinna Ajunwa has called on the newly promoted officers of the division to take their promotion as an added responsibility noting that “promotion comes as a reward to those that have distinguished themselves.”
He gave this advice on Monday evening at the 81 Division Officers’ Mess, Marina while decorating 23 newly promoted officers from the rank of Major to Lieutenant Colonels and Lieutenant Colonels to Colonels.
Among those promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonels are the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division, Major Olaniyi Osoba, who is now a Lieutenant Colonel. Others promoted to the rank of Colonels are the Garrison Commander, 9 Brigade, Ikeja Cantonment, Lt Col TJ Abdullahi and the Commanding Officer, 174 Battalion, Odogunyan Ikorodu, and Lt Col Emmanuel Sholotan respectively.
Others who are now Lieutenant Colonels having been promoted from the rank of Major are Lt Col Rev I. I Yidawi; Lt Col Stella Akhile; Lt Col AS Mohammed; Lt Col AA Lawal and Lt Col MA Umar.
According to Gen Ajunwa, he applauded their spouses for their warm attendance pointing out that the exigencies of duty has rubbed the officers of the opportunity to dine and wine with them regularly.
“I can’t remember when we took our wives out to parties, clubs, or beach. We are always busy. However, the promotion will also reflect in your pocket. You don’t have to overspend but save for tomorrow.”
Advising the newly promoted officers, the Commander, 81 Division Provost Group, Brigadier General Lawal Abubakar reminded them that leadership and command are about responsibility. “As officers, we are supposed to be responsible, be bold, and don’t be afraid but continue to develop yourselves.
“You must consider service and loyalty first before money and, money will come as at when due. I am happy with your elevation and this is a remarkable day in 81 Division,” he added.
On his part, the Deputy Chief of Staff, 81 Division, Col JK Mageri congratulated the wives of the promoted officers for ensuring a peaceful home stressing that without peace, they wouldn’t have been able to think and do their work that galvanised into their elevations.
“Your leadership and training come to bear and very high expectations and integrity are expected from you. As Lieutenant Colonels, you must be above board. Anything you do, the soldiers copy and emulate you. Therefore, you must always think about your family.”
However, Brig Gen Kingsley Nwoko emphasized the fact that Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel ranks are strategic leadership positions, and as such cannot afford to fail the nation.
He called on the promoted officers including the media not to talk bad things about the country but extol the positive virtues that define us as a people and a country.
In his Vote of thanks, the Garrison Commander, 9 Brigade, Col Abdullahi thanked the COAS, Army council, and the GOC 81 Division for finding them worthy of promotion.
The promoted officers were decorated by the GOC assisted by very senior officers and spouses, brothers, and daughters of the promoted officers.
https://any.peopleandpowermag.com/promotion-is-a-reward-goc-81-division-of-nigerian-army/
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