COAS YAHAYA HONORS ARMY RETIREES IN FIRST-EVER VALEDICTORY EVENT, URGES THEM TO “PARTICIPATE IN ARMY VISION EVEN IN RETIREMENT”
In a first-of-its-kind gesture, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, extended his best wishes and heartfelt gratitude to retiring Nigerian Army soldiers. The event, which took place across the country in various Army formations, was a fitting send-off for soldiers who were discharged from service in 2021.
Maj. Gen. UT Musa, representative of the Chief of Army Staff/GOC 81 Division
Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, Chief of Army Staff, expressed his goodwill message to Army retirees in Nigerian Army 81 Division, which covers Lagos and Ogun states, at a special valedictory buffet luncheon held last weekend at Command Day Secondary School Hall, Nigerian Army Cantonment, Ikeja, Lagos. Maj. Gen. UT Musa, General Officer Commanding 81 Division, delivered the Goodwill message.
COAS Lt. Gen. Yahaya stated in his message, “This occasion was conceived out of my desire to celebrate officers who have served the Nigerian Army and the nation meritoriously.”
We’ve gathered to honour officers who will be retiring in 2021. This also allows the Army to celebrate with the retired officers’ and soldiers’ spouses, families, and friends.’
‘This concept has long been overdue, but the precarious security situation that has plagued our country for over a decade will not allow it.’ However, the event has become a yearly occurrence in all formations, according to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP.
Recharging retirees, ‘Retirement is an inevitable phase in the life of any military person and it marks the completion of active service to the nation, as such I am delighted to celebrate with you today,’ said Lt. Gen. Yahaya. I must congratulate you on your outstanding achievement while serving in the military. You can never get tired of being ambassadors for the Nigerian Army.
I reiterate my vision of a professional army defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity. Even if you are retired, I urge you to participate in this vision.’
Master Warrant Officer Okonkwo, the most senior army officer retiring at the valedictory session, gave the vote of thanks to the Chief of Army Staff. ‘We thank Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, Chief of Army Staff, for giving a sense of belonging to the forgotten and appreciating us for a job well done in allowing us to serve for 35 years.’ God bless and remember him and his family. This is a landmark that I hope will survive.’
‘We also thank Maj. Gen. UT Musa for his wealth of experience since his arrival in Lagos and Ogun states.’ This is an extremely well-organized event. God will keep blessing you. We would like to thank the Corp commander and the other commanders who came to celebrate with us. Thank you, CP Abiodun Alabi, and God bless you. We express our gratitude to the Oba of Onigbongbo. We appreciate everyone who has come to join us in celebrating.’
Among those present at the valedictory event were Maj. Gen. AS Ibikunle, Maj. Gen. NO Eneku, Brig. Gen. IN Abdullahi, Maj. Gen. UK Mukhtar, and Brig. Gen. Ahmadu Ali. The Lagos Commissioner of Police, CP Sylvester Abiodun Alabi, was also present to celebrate with the Army’s deserving soldiers. The Oba of Onigbongbo, HRH Oba Olusegun Ajasa, as well as other dignitaries, attended the event.
