The Chief of Army Staff ( COAS) has commended past Corps Commanders and other retired generals of the Nigerian Army Finance Corps ( NAFC) for their meritorious service to the nation
The COAS made the commendation during the Regimental Dinner Night organized in honour of past corps commanders and retired generals at the Command Finance Office Apapa, Lagos.
The Army Chief who was represented by the Commander Corps of Signals Major General Abiodun Owolabi noted that the NAFC as the sole custodian of the NA financial resources has carved a niche for itself and remained steadfast and professional in its mandate which he attributed to the solid foundation laid by the founding fathers of the Finance Corps and some who were present at the Dinner.
The COAS, therefore, urges the leadership of the Corps to sustain the efforts and also ensure the tenet of the NA tradition are institutionalized in the Corps
According to General Yahaya, retirement is an inevitable phase in the life of every military personnel as it marks the completion of active service to the nation.
He said the regimental dinner and subsequent Pulling Out Parade are scheduled to show appreciation to own veterans after meritorious service to the nation and to boost the morale of aspiring retirees.
He, therefore, implored the retired veterans to continue to support the NA in all its engagements.
He stated that this is in line with his vision to have ‘ A professional NA ready to accomplish assigned missions within a joint environment in defense of Nigeria’.
The Army Chief urged all to focus on the core values of the NA which include loyalty, courage, integrity and selfless service
Earlier, the Chief of Account and Budget Army Major General Adetokunbo while welcoming special guests and the retired senior officers stated that 23 senior officers were being honoured which include 6 Major Generals and 17 Brigadier Generals.
He disclosed that the Regimental Dinner Night was to celebrate the Corps’ most deserving retired senior officers for their dedication, leadership, and sacrifice while in service.
He noted that even in retirement many of them have continued to offer their wealth of knowledge and expertise in support in support of the Corps and also mentoring the upcoming officers towards a successful career.
The past Corps Commanders and retired generals honoured include Major Generals JO Lartey, BVT Kwaji, DA Bako, CE Airhiavbere, CU Agulanna and MK Yunusa. Others were Brigadier Generals SU Umusu, MA Nyiam, JA Adejoh, BB Adewinmbi, FA Mohammed, CU Akagu, JO Ozigi, MK Joktara, OP Sintali, YB Yakubu, JS Sura, AA Adekoya, IZ Ohiaka, JA Faransi and YK Musa.
Special guests who graced the occasion include the General Officer Commanding 81 Division NA Major General Obinna Ajunwa, President Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association Mrs Salamatu Yahaya, Flag Officer Western Naval Command Real Admiral YB Wambai.
The highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of plagues and souvenirs to the retired generals