The Minister of Defense, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has praised retired and retiring officers of the Nigerian Army for their sacrifices, unwavering commitment to the nation’s stability, and assured prompt payment of their pensions.
This was contained in a statement made available to Defence correspondents in Abuja by Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu.
According to the statement, the Minister gave the assurance during a Regimental Dinner Night organized in honour of newly retired and retiring Nigerian Army senior officers at the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess Asokoro, Abuja.
At the event, one general, one lieutenant general, 67 Major generals, and 44 brigadier generals bowed out of the Nigerian Army after meritorious and dedicated service without blemish to the nation.
The minister urged the retirees to take a break and reflect appropriately on the next phase of life, assuring them of the government’s commitment to prompt payment of pensions for retired personnel. The Minister saluted the retirees, expressed the nation’s gratitude for their exemplary service and love for the country, and commended their spouses for their perseverance.
He charged members of the Armed Forces to remain loyal and sustain the culture of supporting democracy in Nigeria and across the shores, adding that the disposition of the Armed Forces towards democracy had made it a shining example in West Africa and an influencer in the community of nations.
The minister noted that the occasion provided the Nigerian Army with the opportunity to reflect on its service and profound dedication as demonstrated by the retired and retiring senior officers, adding that the experiences and skills garnered while in service and respect for diversity, which have been their working principles throughout their careers, will provide them with a veritable platform as they exit the service.
He added that the federal government will continue to do all within its reach to improve the well-being of serving and retired personnel.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, enjoined the retired senior officers to appreciate God and the Nigerian Army for a successful sojourn in the ‘noble profession of arms’ and attaining the point of meritorious disengagement from active service.
The COAS congratulated and appreciated the wives and families of the retired senior officers for their patience and support while holding the home front.
Gen Lagbaja expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, and Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar for their untiring support to the Nigerian Army. He reaffirmed the unalloyed loyalty of the NA to the President and the nation in the discharge of its constitutional roles in defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the retired generals, Major General Victor Ezugwu thanked the COAS for the honour accorded them, pledging that they will remain good ambassadors of the Nigerian Army, even at retirement.
Highlights of the event were the presentation of record service certificates and souvenirs to the retired and retiring senior officers and a loyal toast to the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Dignitaries who graced the event include the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, representatives of Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police, immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (rtd), the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya (rtd), and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj Gen Parker Undiandeye, Heads of Security Agencies and the President Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Mrs Mariya Lagbaja, amongst several others.
