The ECOWAS resident representative and head of mission to Guinea-Bissau, Ngozi Ukaeje, has commended personnel of the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) for their professionalism.

Ms Ukaeje, who described the personnel as “diplomatic military professionals,” gave the commendation when the force commander, Danjuma Dantani, led other senior officers to pay her a courtesy visit in her office in Bissau.

This is contained in a statement by military public information officer, Force Headquarters, ESSMGB, Reuben Kovangiya, on Wednesday in Kaduna.

The ambassador expressed delight at receiving the newly inducted senior officers and commended the professionalism of the mission’s contingents.

She also praised their ability to settle quickly into their responsibilities and “hit the ground running” upon assumption of duty.

Ms Ukaeje urged the contingent commanders to tailor their in-house training towards supporting Guinea-Bissau’s National Defence Forces ahead of the forthcoming referendum and subsequent general elections.

She also charged the officers to remain focused and prepare for the tasks ahead so the mission can achieve its objectives.

Earlier, Mr Dantani said the visit was aimed at formally introducing the newly inducted senior officers to the ECOWAS, the resident representative and head of mission, in line with the traditions of the force headquarters.

He also said that the visit would provide an opportunity for the officers to interact directly with the ECOWAS representative whenever necessary.

The force commander briefed the ambassador on administrative and operational matters concerning the contingents and expressed appreciation for her leadership and continued support to the mission.

The newly introduced officers include the deputy force commander, Nicholas Sambou of Senegal; the contingent commanders of Nigeria and Ghana and their deputies; as well as staff officers of the force headquarters.

(NAN)