In a ceremony on Friday, January 3, 2025, the Army War College Nigeria ( AWCN ) decorated six of its officers who had just been promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. The College’s Tukur Yusuf Buratai Hall in Asokoro, Abuja, served as the venue for the event.
Brig. General IB Buhari, Brig. Gen. SBN Egbulem, Brig. Gen. AA Sambo, Brig. Gen. AU Abdul, Brig. Gen. AM Dikko, and Brig. Gen. MI Lemu are the recently promoted officers, according to a statement released by the college public relations officer, Major Hashimu Abdullahi.
The newly promoted officers were complimented by Major General Ishaya Maina, Commandant of AWCN, for their commitment, professionalism, and loyalty in achieving this important career milestone. He stressed to the promoted officers the importance of leadership and accountability that come with their new position.
General Maina quoted renowned U.S. Army Commander General Norman Schwarzkopf as saying, “Leadership is a powerful blend of strategy and character. However, if you can’t have one, then you can’t have the plan. To emphasize the point, he clarified that although strategic knowledge is important, a leader’s character determines their capacity to engender loyalty and trust, particularly under trying conditions.
“Rank is given you to enable you to better serve those above and below you,” he said, paraphrasing General Bruce C. Clarke, as he further reminded the officers of the purpose of rank and power. It is not provided for you to indulge in your eccentricities. The newly decorated generals were urged by General Maina to see their promotion as a call to greater service, accountability, and humility rather than as a privilege.
Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff, was also thanked by the Commandant for his approval of the promotions and his steadfast support of the College.
The AWCN Director of Administration and Logistics, Brigadier General JN Garba, had earlier praised the officers’ outstanding accomplishments in his welcome speech. He said these six were among the 73 colonels promoted by the Nigerian Army after they were evaluated by the promotion board and found to be excellent in terms of their dedication, military prowess, and character.
Prominent attendees at the occasion were Major General HT Wesley, the Chief of Special Services and Programs; Senator Saliu Mustapha, who represented the Kwara Senatorial District; and Major General DG Alu, among others.
