One hundred and thirteen Generals of the Nigerian Army have retired or would be retiring from the Service this year, even as the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has praised them for their sacrifices and unwavering commitment to the nation’s stability.
The Minister also assured them of prompt payment of their pension entitlements.
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Badaru gave the assurance on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, during a Regimental Dinner Night organised in honour of the newly retired and retiring senior officers at the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess in Asokoro, Abuja.
A statement by the director, Army Public Relations, Brig-Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, said the honourees included one General, one Lieutenant General, 67 Major Generals and 44 Brigadier Generals, who bowed out of the Nigerian Army, after meritorious and dedicated service without blemish to the nation within the year.
The minister urged the retirees to reflect appropriately on the next phase of life, assuring them of Government’s commitment to prompt payment of pensions of retired personnel.
Badaru saluted the retirees and expressed the nation’s gratitude for their exemplary service, love for country and commended their spouses for their perseverance.
He charged members of the Armed Forces to remain loyal and sustain the culture of supporting democracy in Nigeria and across the shores.
He added that the disposition of the Armed Forces towards democracy had made it a shining example in West Africa and an influencer in the community of nations.
The minister stated that the occasion provided the Nigerian Army with the opportunity to reflect on its service and profound dedication, as demonstrated by the retired and retiring senior officers.
He said the experiences and skills they gained while in service and their respect for diversity, which have been their working principles throughout their career, will provide them with a veritable platform as they exit the service.
Badaru stated that the federal government will continue to do all within its reach to improve the well-being of serving and retired personnel.
In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, enjoined the retired senior officers to appreciate God and the Nigerian Army for a successful sojourn in the ‘noble profession of arms’ and attaining the point of meritorious disengagement from active service.
The COAS appreciated the wives and families of the retired senior officers for their patience and support while holding the home front.
Gen. Lagbaja expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, and the Defence Ministers for their untiring support to the Nigerian Army.
He reaffirmed the unalloyed loyalty of the Army to the President and the nation in the discharge of its constitutional roles in defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
In a vote of thanks on behalf of retired Generals, Major General Victor Ezugwu (Rtd) appreciated the COAS for the honour accorded them, pledging that they will remain good ambassadors of the Nigerian Army, even in retirement.
Highlights of the event were the presentation of record of service certificates and souvenirs to the retired and retiring senior officers and a loyal toast to the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.