By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Nigerian Army on Wednesday, decorated 27 newly promoted senior officers to their new rank of Major General with a charge to continue to display loyalty, professionalism and commitment.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 27 officers were recently promoted from the rank of Brigadier General, one of whom, Brig.-Gen. ZA Saidu was posthumously promoted to the rank of Major General.
Among those decorated on Wednesday is the former Aide de Camp (ADC) to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Maj.-Gen. Ojogbane Adegbe, who is currently the Director of Foreign Liaison, Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
Adegbe was decorated by his former boss, former President Jonathan and supported by Adegbe’s wife.
Also decorated in the current Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, among others.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede and former Chiefs of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai and Faruk Yahaya, among other dignitaries.
In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt -Gen. Waidi Shaibu, charged newly promoted Major Generals to demonstrate a higher level of professionalism, strategic foresight and loyalty as they assume greater responsibilities in the Nigerian Army.
Shiabu said the promotion recognised years of sacrifice and merit, adding that the officers now occupy a tier where their decisions will directly shape national security outcomes.
He said the nation was confronted by evolving threats ranging from terrorism and banditry to other asymmetric challenges, which require adaptive thinking and reform-driven leadership.
Shaibu told the officers that their elevation demands a new level of commitment to strengthening operational efficiency across all theatres of operation.
“Our expectations are high. Our troops on the front lines must feel your leadership, and our citizens must feel the impact of your decisions,” he said.
The COAS reminded the generals that the Nigerian Army remains the cornerstone of national stability, adding that their loyalty to the Commander-in-Chief, the Constitution and the Nigerian people must remain unwavering.
He stressed the importance of exemplary conduct and urged them to deepen collaboration with sister services, intelligence agencies, paramilitary organisations and civilian stakeholders.
According to him, no single agency can tackle Nigeria’s complex security challenges alone.
Shaibu highlighted Nigeria’s responsibility in fostering stability across the West African sub-region, saying the Army must continue to support regional efforts to counter violent extremism and secure shared borders.
He encouraged officers who were not promoted to remain focused, adding that progression in the military is deliberate and based on merit, integrity and professionalism.
The Army chief commended families of the newly promoted generals for their silent sacrifices, saying that no officer succeeds alone.
He urged the officers to wear their new ranks with pride, embrace humility and commit to renewed service.
Shaibu expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support of the Army and congratulated the officers on their elevation, wishing them success in their new command roles.
In his vote of thanks, one of the newly decorated officers, Maj.-Gen. Francis Omatai, expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for approving their promotion.
He described the elevation as both an honour and a renewed call to higher responsibility in service to the nation.
Omatai pledged the resolve of the newly decorated senior officers to recommit themselves to the service of the army and the nation at large. (NAN)
