In a grand farewell ceremony held on Tuesday, a total of 113 distinguished Nigerian Army Generals, comprising one General, one Lieutenant General, 67 Major Generals, and 44 Brigadier Generals, bid farewell to their illustrious careers.
The Regimental Dinner Night, organized in their honor in Abuja, witnessed heartfelt accolades and commendations.
During the event, the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, took the podium to applaud the significant role played by the Nigerian Army in fostering democracy in the country. Badaru acknowledged the Army’s pivotal contribution, positioning it as a beacon not only in West Africa but also on the global stage. He urged neighboring services to mirror the Army’s unwavering commitment to democratic values.
In a statement released on Wednesday by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Minister Badaru emphasized the importance of the Armed Forces’ loyalty to the constitution and their ongoing support for democratic development in Nigeria. The statement conveyed the minister’s encouragement for the Armed Forces to uphold their role as a shining example in West Africa and beyond.
“The minister charged members of the Armed Forces to remain loyal and sustain the culture of supporting democracy in Nigeria and across the shores,” the statement read. “He added that the disposition of the Armed Forces towards democracy had made it a shining example in West Africa and an influencer in the comity of nations.”
Reflecting on the occasion, Badaru noted that it provided the Nigerian Army with an opportunity for introspection, recognizing the service and profound dedication demonstrated by the retiring senior officers. He assured the commitment of the Federal Government to enhancing the well-being of both serving and retired personnel.
Expressing admiration for the retired officers, Badaru acknowledged their sacrifices and steadfast dedication to the nation’s stability. He gave assurance of the timely disbursement of their pensions, recognizing the importance of honoring their years of service.
Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, took a moment to extend gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, and the Defence Minister for their unwavering support to the Nigerian Army. Lagbaja reiterated the Army’s unswerving loyalty to the President and the nation, emphasizing its constitutional duty to defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
In his advice to the retired senior officers, Lagbaja encouraged them to express gratitude to God and the Nigerian Army for a successful career in the noble profession of arms, reaching the point of meritorious disengagement from active service. The event marked not just a farewell but a celebration of the legacy and dedication exemplified by these distinguished military leaders throughout their careers.
