Naija Army don officially pull out 18 senior military officers wey don serve for 35 years. The ceremony wey happen for Benin, Edo State capital, na to mark the end of their service for Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport. The event na part of three-day conference wey the corps organize with theme “Optimising Supply and Transport Capabilities Towards Providing Effective Service Delivery to NA Operations in All Missions.”
Corps Commander of Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport, Major-General Danjuma Shagaya, talk say the retired officers include four Major Generals and 14 Brigadier Generals. Shagaya yarn say these officers serve Nigeria with full dedication from the time dem join army until dem retire. “Na happy moment for Corps of Supply and Transport because current and former Corps Commanders dey here to honour and celebrate these distinguished officers,” Shagaya talk.
The pulling-out parade na military tradition wey dey celebrate years of service and sacrifice. Shagaya also thank Chief of Army Staff for recognize the contributions of the retiring officers by sending representative for the event. The corps commander explain say the ceremony na both celebration and recognition of wetin these officers do for Nigerian Army and national defence.
For the retired officers side, Major-General Olaniyi Dare talk on behalf of all the 18 generals wey retire. Dare yarn say their military career span many decades wey dem serve Nigerian Army for different operational, command and staff positions. According to am, Corps of Supply and Transport remain vital to how Nigerian Army dey operate well. “Dem entrust us with responsibility to make sure soldiers wey dem deploy for different war zones get adequate support,” Dare talk.
Dare add say whether during training, peacekeeping missions or internal security operations for inside and outside Nigeria, the corps always work to deliver reliable logistics support. “As we dey enter retirement, we know say even though we dey leave active service, our commitment to the ideals and values of Nigerian Army remain strong. We go continue to serve as ambassadors of the corps and remain available to contribute our experience and knowledge anytime dem call us,” Dare yarn.
The retired general describe the ceremony as symbolic event wey give moment to reflect on decades of service, sacrifice and dedication to national defence. Dare also pay tribute to families of the retired officers for their support throughout their careers. “Military life often demand long separation, personal sacrifices, and constant movement. Their understanding, patience, and encouragement make am possible for us to do our duties with dedication,” Dare talk.
The event happen for Thursday, March 26, and na colourful parade with full military honours. The three-day conference wey precede the pulling-out ceremony bring together serving and retired officers to discuss how to improve supply and transport capabilities for Nigerian Army operations. Participants discuss strategies to make logistics support better for both local and international missions.
Observers say the retirement of these 18 generals mark significant moment for Nigerian Army as dem lose experienced officers with combined experience of over 630 years. The Corps of Supply and Transport na important unit wey dey handle logistics, transportation and supply chain management for all army operations across Nigeria.
Military analysts note say proper logistics na key to successful military operations, and the retirement of these experienced officers go create gap wey the army need to fill with younger officers. However, army authorities talk say dem get succession plan to ensure smooth transition and continuity of operations.
The ceremony follow proper military tradition with inspection of parade, presentation of awards and certificates to retiring officers, and final salute. Senior military officers from different formations across Nigeria attend the event to honour their colleagues. The presence of former Corps Commanders show the importance of the occasion for the supply and transport corps.
For his speech, Major-General Shagaya emphasize say the retiring officers contribute significantly to the development of Nigerian Army logistics system. He talk say their work help to improve how army dey move personnel, equipment and supplies for different operations across the country. Shagaya encourage the retiring officers to continue to support the army with their knowledge and experience.
The event end with traditional military parade where the retiring officers march past for the last time as active service personnel. The ceremony dey witnessed by senior military officers, government officials, family members of the retirees, and members of the public. The successful organization of the event show the commitment of Nigerian Army to honour officers wey serve the nation diligently.
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