The Nigerian Army Military Hospital, Benin, has honoured 10 members of staff for distinguished performance in 2024.

The awardees comprised five each from the soldiers and the civilian staff.

According to the list, Staff Sgt. Ibrahim Suleiman, Sgt. Baba Sheshi, Lance Cpl Ifeoma Ede, Pte Mika’il Atanda as well as Pte Joseph Precious made the soldier category.

Those in the civilian category were Yesufu Otono, David Juliet, Christabel Ahamisi, Deborah Ibizugbe and Rosemary Omoye.

The awards were presented at the hospital’s 2024 West Africa Social Activities (WASA) on Saturday.

Brig.-Gen. Ebenezer Oduyebo, commander of the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Benin, applauded the awardees for their dedication to duty and outstanding performance,, which earned them the awards.

The brigade commander asserted that to whom much was given, much would be expected and urged the members of staff to continue the exemplary work they were doing.

He acknowledged the support of the hospital staff for the brigade and the Nigerian Army in general, which he said was instrumental to the success of the military operations in the state.

“This event has afforded officers and men and their families and civilians the opportunity to unwind and relax free with one another and take you away from your routine regimental life,” he said.

Mr Oduyebo said that 2024 ended with unprecedented successes in area of curbing insecurity with the support of the military hospital.

Brig.-Gen. Paulina Aburime, the director of the hospital, said WASA was an age-long tradition in the military aimed at preserving Nigerian ethics through social interaction of personnel, their families and well-wishers.

“The event also seeks to promote comradeship and foster unity among personnel so as to ensure the spirit of one large family,” she said.

The director encouraged everyone at the event to embrace the spirit of unity and use it to build bridges, foster better understanding and promote peace and stability in the country

One of the awardees, Staff Sgt. Suleiman, honoured with the best-performing soldier, said the award would spur him to do more and get more rewards from the army.

“If you are doing something and you are appreciated, that will make you put in more effort and get more reward.

“I feel great for the honour because there are many soldiers in the hospital, but I was picked as the best. I thank the army for recognising my efforts,” he said.

The highlight of the event was the cultural troupe display and the tug of war between the officers` wives and the female corps members.

(NAN)