Retirement: Army pulls out five Major Generals
The Nigerian Army Ordinance Corps on Friday pulled out five retired major generals in Lagos.
ReelzzNewzz24 reports that the pulling out took place at the Headquarters, Nigerian Army Ordinance Corps, Abalti Barracks Surulere, Lagos.
The reviewing Officer, Maj.-Gen. Omotomilola Akintade in his valedictory speech said that it was his honour and privilege to speak on behalf of four other retired generals of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps being pulled out on this unique and memorable occasion, marking our formal disengagement from active service in the Nigerian Army (NA) and indeed the Armed Forces of our great Nation.
Akintade said that they were most delighted to be honoured with a valedictory parade of this magnitude as they bade farewell to the profession of arms.
“I reflect with great sense of nostalgia, about 34 years ago, when we reported to this very place as young, vibrant and enthusiastic officers after graduation from the Nigerian Defence Academy.
“It is with pride and honour to have been posted to the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps. I am confident to say that each of us being pulled out today has benefited immensely from this honourable Corps, which has helped to nurture us from novices to true professionals and outstanding leaders.
“We shall continue to uphold the Ordnance Corps virtue of One Big Family” he said .
However, Akintade said that the journey was not smooth sailing all through noting that there were periods of pains, strength, weaknesses, war and peace.
He said that the experiences which characterised the noble profession were not anticipated during training at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
He said all it took were endurance, encouragement, determination, grace of God and prayers to be able to reach the pinnacle of the profession.
“Today, is notably a remarkable day that will long remain etched in our hearts. It is a day of grave emotional sentiments, nostalgic memories, genuine thankfulness, boundless joy and above all, a sense of unwavering contentment.
“We are bowing out of service at a critical moment when our beloved country is going through a number of challenges and the Nigerian Armed Forces is playing a very critical role in combating these challenges by being deployed to carry out internal security duties.
“I therefore admonish all serving personnel to be loyal, dedicated and highly professional in the execution of their duties.
“I urge you to avoid actions that will bring the name and image of the NAOC and indeed the NA to disrepute.
“Let me also remind you of the Oath of Allegiance to which we all swore on commission which is to be loyal to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to protect her territorial integrity from external aggression.
“In this regard, you must continue to demonstrate a total commitment to your duty to the Nation without any form of bias or involvement in partisan politics.
“As my colleagues and I bid you all farewell today, I will like to appreciate the NA for giving us the opportunity to serve our fatherland in different capacities within and outside the country.
I must respectully “appreciate the present Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja and all the past COAS for their visions and deliberate focus towards ensuring a vibrant Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps that is capable of sustaining the Nigerian Army both in peace and war.
“I am confident that the Corps will continue to offer valuable support to the Nigerian Army.
I also thank all our distinguished invited guests, serving and retired senior officers for making the event a success.
“To our families, no words can quantify your support throughout our service years. The sacrifices and prayers all played a major role in making us to see this day.
“Now specifically to our wives, the true and silent heroes, all we can say for now is that we are back home fully.
To the Corps Commander, Maj.-Gen. Jonathan Ugwuoke, we appreciate your kind gesture in organising this Pulling Out Ceremony.
“I personally thank you for the special honour bestowed on me to review this parade.
“As we formally disengage from the NA alive, we must remember our colleagues who paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. We pray that God continue to repose their gentle souls and comfort the families they left behind” Akintade said.