GENERAL SARASO DECORATES NEWLY PROMOTED MASTER WARRANT OFFICERS WITH THEIR NEW BADGES OF RANK

By: Musa Adams

Major General Mayirenso Lander Saraso, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division and Commander Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YAMMA Major General Mayirenso David Saraso, decorated eight newly promoted Master Warrant Officers (MWOs ) of the Division with their new badges of rank in an elaborate ceremony at the Division’s Auditorium located in Kawo, Kaduna State. The hitherto Warrant Officers were elevated to higher rank of MWOs in recognition of their hard work, dedication, exemplary leadership quality, exceptional performance, and outstanding contributions to the Nigerian Army (NA).

During the investiture, the GOC congratulated the newly promoted MWOs on attaining significant and monumental milestone in their career describing their promotion as a recognition of their discipline, hard work and dedication by the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen OO Oluyede. He urged them to continue to uphold the trust and confidence placed on them by the NA and as well redouble their efforts in their respective places of deployment. He extended his appreciation to the families of the newly promoted MWOs for their unwavering support and urged them not to relent.

The newly promoted and decorated MWOs were Ibrahim Farouk, Edmond Ochonma, Ladi Mustapha, Halima Musa, Samson Philimon, Abubakar Dahiru, Samson Gureje and Smith Yele.

In his words of advice to the beneficiaries, the Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration) Lt Col IA Akabuike congratulated the MWOs for their well-deserved elevation and reminded them of the increased responsibility that comes with their new rank. He charged them to remain steadfast in their duties and uphold the highest standards of professionalism.

In appreciation of the honour done to them, the most senior of the promoted MWO, Edmond Ochonma expressed gratitude to God for the privilege and extended their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the COAS for the rare privilege. He also thanked the GOC for his sterling leadership and fatherly support pledged their unwavering commitment to uphold the duties and values of the NA at all times.

GENERAL SARASO DECORATES NEWLY PROMOTED MASTER WARRANT OFFICERS WITH THEIR NEW BADGES OF RANK

3 DIVISION NIGERIAN ARMY REWARDS OUTSTANDING SOLDIERS WITH ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES

By: Aliyu Danja

As part of ongoing efforts to recognize and reward exceptional service, the Headquarters 3 Division of the Nigerian Army has presented electric motorcycles to outstanding soldiers. The ceremony was held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, with the General Officer Commanding (GOC) and Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General AE Abubakar, presiding over the event.

Major General Abubakar emphasized that this initiative aligns with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OO Oloyede, to prioritize sound administration and the welfare of troops. He highlighted that the program builds on a precedent set in 2022 under the leadership of the former GOC, Major General AB Ibrahim.

The GOC explained that the distribution of electric motorcycles reflects the Division’s dual commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and promoting environmental sustainability. These motorcycles, capable of reaching speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour and traveling a distance of 100 kilometers on a full two-hour charge, provide an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles. The initiative aims to reduce transportation costs for personnel, especially within Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, and to contribute to Nigeria’s broader environmental goals.

To support the program, a dedicated charging facility has been established at the Headquarters, ensuring convenience for personnel using the motorcycles. In addition to this initiative, the Division has recently benefited from other welfare-enhancing projects initiated by Army Headquarters. These include the renovation and construction of accommodations and office complexes, as well as the provision of essential resources to support personnel in their duties.

The GOC assured that recognizing and rewarding excellence has been institutionalized within the Division, with plans to continue the initiative in phases. Soldiers are encouraged to remain committed to excellence, as hard work and dedication will always be acknowledged.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of keys to the beneficiaries and a group photograph to mark the occasion.

3 DIVISION NIGERIAN ARMY REWARDS OUTSTANDING SOLDIERS WITH ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES

YOUR WELFARE, PROTECTION OF NIGERIA AND NIGERIANS MY TOPMOST PRIORITY” – ACTING COAS LT GEN OLUYEDE

By: Our Reporter

The Acting Chief of Army Staff (Ag COAS) Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has promised to prioritise the welfare of troops of the Nigerian Army(NA) as well as the protection of Nigeria and Nigerians. The Ag COAS made these remarks on Wednesday 20 November 2024, during the official handing over of the Infantry Corps to his successor Major General Abdulkalifa Ibrahim in a regimented ceremony at the Headquarters Infantry Corps Jaji, Kaduna State. You will recall that until his appointment as the Ag COAS on 30 October 2024 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he was the 56th Commander Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army.

Speaking further during the handing over ceremony, Gen Oluyede described his successor as a competent senior Infantry officer and a perfect gentleman whom he he believes will sustain the trajectory of moving the Corps forward. He charged all officers and soldiers of the Corps to give him all the needed cooperation and support to succeed. The Ag COAS expressed gratitude to all officers and soldiers of the NA for their massive turnout and support during the internment of the late COAS Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja and prayed God to grant him eternal rest and continue to give his family the fortitude to bear the loss.

While addressing troops of the Infantry Corps at the Major Bulama Parade Ground, the Ag COAS charged all officers and soldiers of the NA to put the unfortunate incident behind them, get back to work and deal ruthlessly with all criminal elements perpetrating insecurity in the country. He reassured them that their welfare would be prioritised. ” I am aware of your challenges and will tackle them head-on. Rest assured that anything that is yours will be given to you, ” he affirmed.

In his remarks, the new Commander Infantry Corps Maj Gen Abdulkalifa Ibrahim said he was delighted to take over command of the Infantry Corps from the Ag COAS, who until a few weeks ago was the Commander Infantry Corps. He appreciated the Ag COAS for moving the Infantry Corps forward through the implementation of laudable initiatives and execution of several infrastructural development projects. He lauded him for his many years of dedicated service to the Infantry Corps, the Nigerian Army, and the nation at large.

Maj Gen Ibrahim pledged to lead the Infantry Corps with integrity, courage, honour, and utmost dedication, embracing best practices in all he will do. “To my brave and dedicated fellow infantry men, both officers and soldiers, I recognise the sacrifices, resilience, and valour that define our infantry tradition. Your selflessness, teamwork, and unwavering loyalty inspire all of us. I urge you all to continue to embrace the Army’s core values of loyalty, integrity, discipline, selfless service, respect for others, and courage in the discharge of your responsibilities, ” he emphasized.

He further urged all officers and soldiers of the Corps to remain diligent, hardworking, and proactive so as to collectively confront security challenges in troubled regions, uphold the Infantry values, and protect the nation with pride. He added that he is open to ideas that would bring the Corps together and make it more cohesive and efficient.

Maj Gen Abdulkalifa Ibrahim is a member of the 39th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy and hails from Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State. In the course of his illustrious career in the NA, he served as acting Garrison Commander in 1 Division, Commander 14 Brigade, General Officer Commanding 7 Division and also commanded the Multi National Joint Task Force Ndjamena, Chad among others. He has attended all courses commensurate to his rank, including the National Defence College Course 23.

He had served previously in Jaji at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry as member Training Team and later as Chief Instructor. He participated in several operations both within and outside the shores of the country, such as Operation Hadin Kai and Operations under the MNJTF. In 2023, the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria awarded him the National honour of the Officer of the Order of the Republic (OFR). Similarly, the Chadian Government awarded him the national honor of ‘National Order of Chad’ (NOOC) for his contributions to peace and security in the Lake Chad Basin.

The Acting COAS later inspected ongoing projects in Jaji military Cantonment and paid a visit to the Command Engineering Depot at Rigachukun, Kaduna.

YOUR WELFARE, PROTECTION OF NIGERIA AND NIGERIANS MY TOPMOST PRIORITY” – ACTING COAS LT GEN OLUYEDE