The Nigerian Army hosted a grand dinner gala to honour 113 retiring generals in an event to commemorate their remarkable service to the nation.
Among the distinguished group were a full General, a Lieutenant General, 67 Major Generals, and 44 Brigadier Generals, individuals who either retired or were slated for retirement within the year.
The ceremony, graced by esteemed figures including retired Gen. Lucky Irabor, the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, former Chief of Army Staff, and retired Maj.-Gen. Samuel Adebayo, Ex-Chief of Defence Intelligence, stood as a testament to these senior officers’ 35 years of unwavering dedication to the nation.
Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru, lauded the retiring generals for their extensive experience, exceptional skills, integrity, discipline, dedication, loyalty, and inclusive mindset. Badaru emphasized the pivotal role these attributes would continue to play in guiding the retired officers in their future endeavors. He urged them to consider entering politics, citing their potential to instill discipline and patriotism in governance.
While expressing gratitude to the retiring officers, Chief of Army Staff, LT.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, commended their honorable service and congratulated them on their meritorious disengagement from military duty. He extended heartfelt appreciation for their immense contributions to national security and wished them success in their retirement.
Maj.-Gen. Jimmy Akpor, Chief of Administration (Army), underscored the significance of the dinner gala, stating its purpose was to pay tribute to the retiring generals for their unwavering commitment to the nation. He reiterated that such events were instituted by past Nigerian Army leaderships to ensure a memorable departure for retiring officers.
In an expression of gratitude on behalf of the retired generals, Maj.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu conveyed profound thanks to the Chief of Army Staff for the honor bestowed upon them. He assured everyone of their continued dedication to upholding the core values and ideals of the Nigerian Army, even in retirement.
