The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, has urged newly promoted senior officers to place high priority on the welfare of their troops and mentor their subordinates as they assume higher responsibilities within the service.
Major General Mijinyawa gave the charge on 21 October 2025, during the decoration ceremony of officers elevated from the rank of Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel, held at the 81 Division Officers’ Mess, Victoria Island, Lagos.
According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division, the GOC congratulated the officers, describing promotion as both a divine privilege and recognition of dedication, discipline, and hard work.
He commended their sacrifices and unwavering service to the Nigerian Army, emphasizing that their new ranks come with greater expectations and leadership responsibilities. He also advised them to ensure the welfare of their personnel and their families remains a top priority, noting that true leadership is measured by how well officers care for and mentor those under their command.
“Your elevation is not just a mark of recognition, but a call to higher responsibility. Always remember that the strength of the Army lies in the welfare and morale of its men,” Major General Mijinyawa stated.
Among the newly decorated officers were Colonel N.I. Ota, Commanding Officer, 1040 Division Workshop; Colonel K.E. Amedu, Acting Commander, 81 Military Intelligence Brigade; and Colonel I.I. Peters, Acting Chief of Staff, 55 Signals Brigade.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Colonel N.I. Ota, on behalf of the newly promoted officers, expressed profound gratitude to God Almighty and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, NAM, for finding them worthy of elevation. He also appreciated the GOC for his mentorship and strategic guidance, pledging renewed dedication and commitment to duty.
Colonel Ota further thanked their families, colleagues, and subordinates for their prayers and continuous support throughout their careers.
The ceremony was graced by senior officers including the President, Mess Committee, 81 Division Officers’ Mess, Brigadier General U.D. Igbokwe; Chief of Staff, Headquarters 81 Division, Brigadier General M.A. Oloyede; Commander 9 Brigade, Brigadier General O.M. Oyekola; Commander 55 Signal Brigade, Brigadier General M.M. Mato; Commander, 81 Division Garrison, Brigadier General G.U. Bukar; Acting Commander, Ordnance Services, Colonel D.C. Filibus, as well as staff officers, commanding officers, families, and friends of the celebrants.