On Tuesday in New York, the deputy permanent representative of Nigeria to the UN, George Edokpa, decorated a newly promoted officer, Cyril Iruegbukpe.

The officer was promoted to the rank of colonel.

Mr Iruegbukpe is among 39 officers that have been promoted to the rank of colonel out of 65 officers that passed out from the Nigerian Defence Academy in 2004.

He is currently a Staff Officer Grade 1 Operations at the Defence Section, Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations in New York.

Mr Edokpa congratulated the officer and lauded his commitment to duty, citing his hard work at the last UN General Assembly (UNGA) in September.

“We thank God for all your achievements in life and wish you greater heights in life,” he said.

Benjamin Olafaju, the head of the chancery of the Nigeria Permanent Mission to the UN, described Mr Iruegbukpe as a wonderful officer to work with and also recalled how he worked hard during the last UNGA.

“I want you to know that promotion comes with higher responsibilities, and with God on your side and the support of your family, the sky is your limit,” he said.

ACP Baba Kalli, the police adviser at the defence section of the mission, congratulated the officer on behalf of the inspector general of the police.

(NAN)