COMMANDER CORPS OF ENGINEERS VISIT 6 DIVISION, COMMISSIONS SEVERAL PROJECTS

By: Our Reporter

The Commander Corps of Engineers (CCE), Major General Philips Eromosele, has today 12 December 2024, paid a working visit to Headquarters, 6 Division Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt Barracks, Rivers State. The visit was his maiden visit to the 6 Division Area of Responsibility.

The CCE paid an office call to the General Officer Commanding, the 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, after which he proceeded to the 46 Engineer Brigade Counter Improvise Explosive Device Squadron, where he thereafter commissioned some projects. The projects commissioned include a Training Area and Laboratory, 26 Support Engineer Regiment Training sheds, and a block of 10 flats of one-bedroom apartments for Coporal and Below constructed by Headquarters 6 Division.

While addressing the troops of the 46 Engineer Brigade, the CCE charged them to remain good ambassadors of the Nigerian Army and, most importantly, role models to their subordinates. He also urged them to be patient with the system and eschew all manner of illegalities, as plans are on the ground for a better future in the NA.

In his welcome address, the Commanding Officer of, the 26 Support Engineer Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Usama Yakubu said he was spurred to construct the training shed in his unit to ensure rigorous training of his personnel to prepare them for both current and future challenges. This, he said, is under the CCE’s directive and mission statement, “To develop the capacity of the Nigerian Army Engineer for robust support to the NA in accomplishing assigned missions”. “Another purpose for the ultra-modern 150-capacity training shed with an office space for instructors and convenience for both male and female students respectively, beautiful furniture, and a serene and conducive atmosphere for learning was to equip both young officers and soldiers with basic knowledge and skills required before they proceed for local courses that will prepare them in carrying out both engineer and infantry roles in the field”, he added.

The highlights of the visit were the commissioning of multiple projects, a short presentation of Improvised Explosive Device Management by the Commander, 46 Engineer Brigade, Brigadier General Ekeoma Odoemele, an address to troops, presentation of souvenirs and group photographs.

COMMANDER CORPS OF ENGINEERS VISIT 6 DIVISION, COMMISSIONS SEVERAL PROJECTS

RETIREMENT MARKS A NEW BEGINNING, NOT AN END, SAYS CAS AT NAFRC GRADUATION CEREMONY

By: Our Reporter

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has reassured retiring military personnel that leaving active service marks the beginning of a fulfilling new chapter in their lives, not an end. Speaking today, 12 December 2024, as the Special Guest of Honour at the Passing Out Ceremony of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) Participants Course 02/2024 in Oshodi, Lagos, the CAS lauded the graduands for their unshakable commitment and discipline throughout their military careers.

In his address, Air Marshal Abubakar congratulated the Commandant, graduating participants, and the entire NAFRC community on achieving a significant milestone. He highlighted the importance of the six-month training programme, which equipped personnel transitioning to civilian life with skills pertinent to entrepreneurship, management, and national development.

Reflecting on a popular military saying, “Soja come, Soja go, barracks remain,” the CAS emphasised that while individuals leave the Service, their values and contributions continue to shape the Armed Forces and the nation. He urged the graduands to carry forward the discipline, courage, and commitment they exhibited in uniform, becoming role models and ambassadors of the military profession in their communities.

Air Marshal Abubakar noted that retirement should not be seen as a death sentence but rather as a new beginning. “Do not entertain fears about your future,” he advised. “With the training, discipline, and skills you have acquired, as well as God’s guidance, you will enjoy a prosperous future with good health and sound mind.”

Paying tribute to fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation, the CAS also commended the families of the retirees for their unwavering support and sacrifices. He assured the audience of the Armed Forces’ commitment to the welfare of its personnel, both serving and retired, and expressed gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his dedication to capacity development within the military.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal Bashir Mamman, thanked the special the Special Guest of Honour for honoring the invitation and gracing the occasion. He also extended a warm welcome to all distinguished personalities, commandants, commanders, special guests, and well-wishers in attendance. “Your presence here today is a clear manifestation of how dearly you hold this great institution,” he remarked, acknowledging support and commitment to the success of NAFRC and its graduating participants.

The event also featured an exhibition of various products and services created by the graduating class, as well as the commissioning of a 54-unit ensuite hostel block donated by the NAF to NAFRC. Dignitaries in attendance included the Presidents of the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA) and the NAF Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA), amongst many other distinguished personalities.

RETIREMENT MARKS A NEW BEGINNING, NOT AN END, SAYS CAS AT NAFRC GRADUATION CEREMONY

NEW ARMY CHIEF PLEDGES INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP, URGES COMMANDERS TO INNOVATE PANACEA FOR SECURITY CHALLENGES

By: Our Reporter

In a vital move towards repositioning the Nigerian Army (NA) for effective delivery on its mandate, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed his resolve to adopt an all inclusive leadership approach to foster a collaborative and effective army, capable of addressing the nation’s security challenges.

The Army Chief disclosed this on Monday 9 December 2024, while addressing Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters after a Regimental Quarter Guard procedure to conclude the final stage of his formal taking over of command as the 24th Chief of Army Staff. During the significant occasion, the COAS commended officers and soldiers of the NA for the support, strength, and commitment shown during the solemn period leading to the burial of the erstwhile COAS, Late Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja whom he noted to have offered dedicated service to the nation.

General Oluyede emphasized the importance of innovation in profering security solutions and urged commanders to think creatively and develop novel strategies to combat emerging threats.

Recalling his recent visit to troops of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre of operation, the COAS assured of his commitment to providing the troops with the needed support and morale toward ending terrorism insurgency in Nigeria.

The COAS noted that the NA recognizes the fluidity of the emerging security challenges as well as the rapidly evolving security landscape and is determined to stay ahead of the curve. He enjoined commanders at all levels to fashion out innovative ways to end terrorism and insurgency in the northeast and other volatile regions in the country.

Earlier, the Chief of Administration, Major General Ohwonigho Akpor had described the event as a solemn regimental procedure, where the old NA flag has to be retired to NA museum for custody, instead of being presented to the outgoing COAS for retention, as an honour and reminder of his command of the NA.

NEW ARMY CHIEF PLEDGES INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP, URGES COMMANDERS TO INNOVATE PANACEA FOR SECURITY CHALLENGES