BY ABDULLAHI ISAH, MAIDUGURI
In an effort to promote hardwork and dedication to duty, the 7th Division of the Nigerian Army has promoted 97 officers and 5,138 soldiers currently executing the war against insurgency in the North-East geo-political zone of the country under Operation Lafiya Dole.
While decorating the officers at the Conference Hall of the 7th Division, Maimalari Barracks, Maiduguri, the General Officer Commanding the Division, Major General Lamidi Adeosun said the promotion was as a result of their dedication to duty at the theater of war against insurgency.
He thanked the military high command for the recognition of hardwork and commitment to the war against insurgency, noting that efforts of the personnel had degraded the capacity of the insurgents, stressing that they should justify their promotion by doubling their efforts in eliminating the Boko Haram challenge.
He said the Army authority has promoted 37 officers to the rank of Captain, 25 to Major, 21 to Lt. Colonels, 10 to Colonels, 4 to Brigadier General and 5,138 soldiers to various ranks in the 7th Division.
“Those promoted should know that their promotions also come with more responsibilities, as such they should see it as a challenge to do more and those that are yet to be promoted should not say that the Army has turned its back on them, as more promotions are coming,” the GOC stated.
In his remarks, the Theater Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Yusha`u Abubakar said the newly promoted Brigadier Generals used to play advisory roles but that now they are to play decision making roles that would impact on the lives of many officers and soldiers, adding that while making the decisions they should be resolute and committed.
He said “your elevation to the next rank shows that the Army believes that you are up to the task of holding the office at various levels, as such you should justify the confidence reposed on you by the Army and Nigerians by putting more efforts in the war against insurgency, as they eyes of the world are on you.”
He called on them to continue to be apolitical in discharging their duties, as the Army remains the only institution that unites Nigerians irrespective of their religious, tribal and regional divides and thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Buratai for the promotions.
Speaking on behalf of the newly promoted officers, Brigadier General Suleiman Idris thanked the Army High Command for the promotions and assured that the elevations is a challenge for those concerned to do more.
He said “the dream of any cadet officer is to become a General one day. We thank God Almighty and the Chief of Army Staff for finding us worthy of promotion. I assure them that we will not let them down.”
