Joy Anyim
Outgoing General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Sanni Yusuf, has advised officers and men of the service to desist from unwholesome activities capable of bringing the Army to disrepute.
Gen. Yusuf, was speaking during the official handing cum taking over ceremony, held at the 81 Division Headquarters, in Lagos State on Monday.
He said the good image of the Army must not be dragged to the mud.
Gen. Yusuf, in his farewell address, admonished soldiers to be professional and act in accordance with the laws guiding their profession at all time.
Gen. Yusuf who was recently redeployed to Army Headquarters as the Chief of Administration, Nigerian Army, also appreciated officers of the Division for their support in making his almost one year stay a success.
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His words, “I have piloted the affair of this division for about a year now and I am glad to say that I have commanded and administered a dynamic and peculiar formation like 81 Division. It was indeed a wonderful, interesting and eventful period.
“In the course of discharging my duties, I introduced other training activities in this formation in addition to the Army Headquarters scheduled activities to enhance our professionalism and regimentation.
“This is to ensure that the division is in line with the Chief of Army’s vision of having a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of our constitutional roles.
“In this regards, I am in no doubt that my successor being a purposeful individual, I know he will improve on the already existing tempo to make all us better personnel of the Nigerian Army.
“You have shown commitment and resilience, and you must endeavour to maintain this feat.
“Take your profession more seriously and desist from any unwholesome activity capable of bringing yourself and the NA to a disrepute.
“I must say I enjoyed all the support and corporation you all accorded me during my tenure through your respective commanders and commanding officers.
The outgoing GOC further thanked the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai for his numerous support saying, “As I bid you farewell, I therefore urge you all to remain focused to uplift the image of this Division and Nigerian Army at large.
“The Success of the division is not a one man show, it is a success for all of us including that of the Army.
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“In the same vein, failure by the formation, is failure on all of us and failure of the Army. I am optimistic that you will give my successor, similar corporation and support I enjoyed from you all.”
The new GOC, Maj. -Gen. Olu Irefin, who was deployed from the Defence Headquarters Garrison, where he was the Commander, promised to improve on the successes of his predecessor.
Gen. Irefin’s words, “I thank the COAS for the confidence he has in me to give me the command of this Division.
“It is indeed a challenge and I sincerely look forward to live up to the expectations required of me in this office.
“I am quite aware that my predecessor has done a good job, I will continue with the good work and where possible improve on what he has done because that is the whole essence.”
Recall that the Army Headquarters had approved the redeployment of senior officers in the Army recently.
