The commander of the 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Saka Jimoh, has honoured 22 senior non-commissioned officers for 35 years of meritorious service.

Mr Jimoh honoured the retiring personnel at a send-off ceremony held at the Brigade Auditorium on Thursday, where they received cash gifts and other items in recognition of their service and sacrifices, according to a statement on Friday.

The commander commended the retirees for their loyalty, discipline and commitment to duty throughout their military careers. He said their contributions supported the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army and the successful execution of its mandate.

Mr Jimoh noted that military service required significant sacrifices, including prolonged separation from families and working under challenging conditions to protect the country. He urged the retirees to remain good ambassadors of the Nigerian Army, uphold the values of discipline and integrity, and use their wealth of experience to mentor younger personnel.

The commander also encouraged them to contribute to the development of their communities and approach retirement with optimism. He advised the retirees to plan for their future, manage their resources wisely, acquire additional skills where necessary, and prioritise their health and well-being.

The outgoing brigade regimental sergeant major, Suleiman Mohammed, who spoke on behalf of the retirees, expressed appreciation to Mr Jimoh for the recognition and support.

Mr Mohammed commended the commander for his generosity and commitment to personnel welfare, saying the gesture demonstrated appreciation for soldiers who had devoted much of their lives to national service.

The ceremony ended with a luncheon attended by the commander, senior officers and other personnel to celebrate the retirees’ years of service to the army. 

(NAN)