Former Corps Commanders of the Nigerian Army Finance Corps (NAFC) and other retired generals have received commendations from the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) for their exemplary service to the country.
At the Regimental Dinner Night held in honor of former corps commanders and retired generals at the Command Finance Office Apapa in Lagos, the COAS gave the commendation. The Army Chief, who was represented by the Commander Corps of Signals Major General Abiodun Owolabi, stated that the NAFC, as the sole custodian of the NA’s financial resources, has established a niche for itself and has remained steadfast and professional in its mandate, which he attributed to the strong foundation laid by the founding fathers of the Finance Corps and some of whom were present at the Dinner. As a result, the COAS calls on the Corps leadership to continue their current efforts and make sure that the NA tradition is institutionalized inside the Corps.
Retirement, in General Yahaya’s opinion, is a necessary stage in every military member’s life because it signifies the end of their time spent serving the country in an active capacity. He claimed that the regimental supper and subsequent Pulling Out Parade were planned to honor the nation’s veterans for their valiant service and to inspire those planning to retire soon. So, he begged the retired veterans to keep supporting the NA in all of its endeavors. In keeping with his goal of having “A professional NA ready to fulfill assigned duties within a joint environment in defense of Nigeria,” he claimed, this is what is happening. The Ay Chief asked everyone to concentrate on the NA’s key principles, which include commitment, fortitude, honesty, and selflessness.
When welcoming distinguished guests and the retired senior officers earlier, Army Major General Adetokunbo, the Chief of Account and Budget, announced that 23 senior officers, including 6 Major Generals and 17 Brigadier Generals, were being honored. He said that the purpose of the Regimental Dinner Night was to honor the most worthy senior officers who had retired from the Corps for their service, commitment, and leadership. He pointed out that many of them have continued to provide the Corps with their wealth of knowledge and expertise after retiring, in addition to coaching young officers on the path to a prosperous career.
Major-Generals JO Lartey, BVT Kwaji, DA Bako, CE Airhiavbere, CU Agulanna, and MK Yunusa are just a few of the retired generals and former corps commanders who were honored. Brigadier-Generals MA Nyiam, SU Umusu, JA Adejoh, BB Adewinmbi, FA Mohammed, CU Akagu, JO Ozigi, MK Joktara, OP Sintali, YB Yakubu, JS Sura, AA Adekoya, IZ Ohiaka, JA Faransi, and YK Musa were also present.
81 Division NA Major General Obinna Ajunwa, Mrs. Salamatu Yahaya, President of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association, and Real Admiral YB Wambai, Flag Officer of the Western Naval Command, were among the distinguished guests that graced the event.