Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, Chief of Army Staff, has advised retired officers in the 81 Division Nigerian Army (NA) to never rest on their oars, even in retirement, until the country’s security crisis is resolved in favor of the Armed Forces and, by extension, the nation.
At the Regimental Dinner Night in honour of officers who retired from the 81 Division, the Army Chief, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding 81 Division NA Major General Umar Thama Musa, stated that the Army is still open to their invaluable contributions towards achieving her constitutional mandate and would always welcome their support.
They are also welcome to attend functions and sessions, according to General Faruk, in order to continue to extend their friendship to the colleagues they are leaving behind in service.
According to General Yahaya, retirement is a natural part of any military personnel’s life because it signals the end of active duty to the country. As a result, he praised the retired commanders for their outstanding achievements while serving in the Nigerian Army.
The Army Chief promised them that the NA will be appreciative for their contributions to the defense of their homeland. He added that the occasion should be used to thank God for the opportunity to serve the nation in a dignified and worthy manner in the fight to restore peace and harmony to our dear country.
Earlier, President Mess Committee Brigadier General Danlami Ndahi congratulated the retired officers and their families on behalf of the entire Division on their successful and meritorious retirement from the NA, while welcoming the Retired Officers and inviting visitors to 81 Division Officers’. He stated that retirement is the successful culmination of active service to the country.
Colonel Mustapha Anka (rtd), speaking on behalf of the retired officers, stated the COAS has set a precedent that they really appreciate. He expressed gratitude to the Army for giving them a sense of belonging and for acknowledging their efforts and dedication to the country through the NA.
Colonel Moses Abolanle, Colonel Igwe Ibemere, Colonel Mustapha Abubakar Anka, Colonel Francis Ekoyo, Colonel Folarin Orolugbagbe, and Lieutenant Colonel Ceril Chukwuma Okafor were among the retired officers honored. Lieutenant Colonel Moses Babuba, Lieutenant Colonel Abong Leku, Major Gabriel Ogwo, Major Rilwanu Ishida, Major Bisi Olajide, Major Paul Akpan, and Lieutenant Emmanuel Adejoh are among those who have been promoted. The presentation of plagues and keepsakes to the retired officers was the highlight of the event.
