Be Good Example To Your Subordinates, Army Commander Tells Promoted Officers
By Matthew Atungwu
Major General AE Abubakar, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army (NA) and Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), has tasked newly promoted senior officers and troops of the Division and SAFE HAVEN with setting a positive example for their peers and subordinates.
The newly promoted senior officers of the grades of Lieutenant Colonel and Major, as well as recently promoted soldiers at Headquarters 3 Division, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Rukuba Jos, were decorated with their new ranks by the GOC/Commander OPSH today, October 31, 2023.
In his remarks at the colorful ceremony, the GOC/Comd OPSH, said the senior officers and soldiers have been promoted due to their hard work and dedication to service.
He revealed that promotion comes with added responsibilities and urged them to be innovative while proffering solutions to the challenges of insecurity in the country.
General Abubakar also remarked that the newly decorated senior officers must earn the respect of the populace by being responsible and available to defend them against criminal elements.
He also charged them to draw inspiration from the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff of leading a “People-centric Armed Forces” and being the “People’s Army”, noting that their allegiance is to the citizens and the constitution.
He further charged the newly decorated officers to continually see to the welfare of their families and personnel placed under their command.
He revealed that the military profession thrives on leadership by example and further averred that “One of the key elements of the COAS Command philosophy is Administration and Welfare of troops and their families which you must take seriously” he charged.
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Speaking on behalf of dignitaries present at the ceremony, the Deputy Monitor-General National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Senior Executive Course 45, Ambassador Ayo Luta-Egbemode, lauded the leadership and giant strides of the NA in the country.
She tasked the newly promoted senior officers to uphold the highest level of integrity required to prosecute their duties in the service of the country.
Ambassador Egbemode also advised the senior officers to maintain unwavering commitment to the safety of their troops, while sustaining a high level of discipline and professionalism in the NA. She further urged the senior officers to prioritize learning and be mentors to junior officers and soldiers.
Speaking on behalf of the newly promoted senior officers and soldiers, Colonel Sherrif Fagbemi and Warrant Officer Abubakar Musa, thanked Almighty God, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), and GOC 3 Division for finding them worthy to attain the enviable ranks.
They promised to rededicate themselves to the command philosophy of the COAS and uphold the tenets of the core values of the Nigerian Army.
A wide range of dignitaries attended the ceremony, including members of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS) Senior Executive Course 45, government officials, the Captain of Industries, senior officers, and friends and family.
Highlights of the occasion include group photos, words of wisdom, and decorations for the recently promoted senior commanders and soldiers.