Army: 26 Regular Recruit Intake retire in Imo

Eleven officers of the Nigerian Army’s 26 Regular Recruit Intake have retired in Imo after 35 years of service.

The retirees  bowed out at a ceremony conducted by Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya, at the 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze Barracks, Owerri, on Sunday.

The COAS, represented by the Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze, Brig.-Gen. Sani Sulaiman, congratulated the officers on a successful retirement and thanked God for keeping them all alive.

He said that no amount of money, honour or material things would be enough to repay the officers  for their unalloyed services rendered to the nation while they served.

 He charged the retiring officers to remain  disciplined, responsible and courteous and not to be involved in acts capable of  denting their image and that of the nation.

 ” We are here today to express our  appreciation to the 26 Regular Recruit Intake for your great service to the nation, having committed 35 years of the substantial part of your productive life to the course of defending Nigeria.

 ” May I remind you  that discharging from the system is not disconnecting from it for a military man will always remain a military man, ” he said.

He also appreciated wives of the officers for remaining supportive of their spouses throughout their years of service, and urged the officers to create time for their families.

He also advised serving officers to emulate the retirees and embrace discipline in the discharge of their duties, as a core value.

 In his opening remarks, the Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade Garrison, Lt.-Col. A. A. Abolade, said that the retiring officers began their journey with the military in 1987 and deserved to be celebrated.

He urged them to make judicious use of their retirement benefits and to desist from indulging in illicit conduct capable of denting the image of the force.

Also, Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo, represented by his  Commissioner for Homeland Security, Mr Ugorji O. Ugorji, commended the officers for their various contributions to the restoration of peace in the state. 

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by all Heads of Security Agencies in Imo as well as  friends and families of the retiring officers. 

A highlight of the event was the presentation of awards for meritorious service to the officers among whom were Master Warrant Officers Jonathan Duniya,  Franklin Onuoha,  IIiyasu Gobir, Suleiman Mohammed and  Bola Ojo.

Others were Warrant Officers Clerk Dishan, Ofem Owai, Ojadi Okwudili,  Bello Mohammed,  Ngwu Theophilus and  Chukwu Uko.  (NAN)