The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Wase, has urged newly promoted senior officers to uphold the highest standards of discipline, loyalty, and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

This is contained in a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 1 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 1 Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt.-Col. Ajemasu Jingina, on Sunday in Kaduna.

Mr Jingina said the GOC gave the charge during a decoration ceremony at the Stallion Officers’ Mess (Annex), Dalet Cantonment, Kaduna.

He said, “The event featured the decoration of officers recently promoted from the rank of major to lieutenant colonel, following approval by the army council.”

The GOC described promotion in the military as both a reward for hard work and a call to higher responsibility, urging the officers to remain steadfast, innovative, and effective in managing their commands.

“Promotion is not merely a change in rank, but a testament to your potential to lead at a higher level.

As you wear these new ranks, the expectations of the Nigerian Army and the nation have increased.

You must lead by example and remain unwavering in your commitment to service,” he stated.

Mr Wase noted that the division remained committed to ensuring security in its area of responsibility and called on the officers to contribute meaningfully to ongoing operations.

The officers decorated at the ceremony include Lt.-Cols. Nanmwaa Selchum, Abdulkarim Muhammad, Wobase Emmanuel, Abdullahi Abubakar, and Christopher Ineme.

Responding on behalf of the promoted officers, Lt.-Col. Selchum, expressed appreciation to the chief of army staff for the confidence reposed in them.

He pledged their continued loyalty to the constitutional mandate of the Nigerian Army, assuring that they would discharge their duties with renewed vigour and exemplary leadership.

Mr Jingina also said that the President of the Mess Committee and Commander, 41 Engineer Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Sharif Aremu, commended the GOC for his mentorship and for fostering a professional environment that promotes growth and merit.

He said the ceremony featured the symbolic decoration of the officers by the GOC, assisted by family members and senior officers and followed by a reception and group photographs.

(NAN)