The Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps (NAOC) recently held a grand Pulling Out Ceremony for five retired Generals, marking the conclusion of their distinguished military careers. The ceremony was filled with deep emotions as the retirees reflected on their service journey, which spanned over 34 years. Speaking on behalf of the retiring officers, one of the Generals expressed immense pride and gratitude for the opportunity to serve the nation.
Major-General Omotomilola Akintade, who spoke on behalf of the group during the ceremony, recounted the challenging yet rewarding journey that spanned over three decades of military service.
Reflecting on his early days in the army, Major-General Akintade emphasized the transformation from “young boys” to seasoned leaders, saying, “We joined as teenagers, and today, we stand as Major-Generals. The army has done so much for us, shaping us into men trained to defend our country.” He noted that the journey was marked by periods of both “pain and peace,” but ultimately, the experience has been fulfilling.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve, Akintade acknowledged the sacrifices of colleagues who did not make it through their military careers, losing some to combat and others to natural causes. “We thank God that after 35 years, we are here, hail and hearty. We are very grateful to the Nigerian Army, the President, and the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he added.
He reminisced about their early days as young, vibrant officers after completing training at the Nigerian Defence Academy, sharing how the NAOC helped shape them into seasoned leaders. The retired General emphasized that their careers were not without challenges, recounting experiences of strength, weakness, war, and peace, which required endurance, faith, and determination to overcome.
The General urged serving personnel to maintain professionalism, dedication, and loyalty, especially in light of the ongoing security challenges facing Nigeria. He reminded them of their oath of allegiance to protect the nation’s territorial integrity and cautioned against actions that could tarnish the image of the NAOC and the Nigerian Army.
The retiring officers expressed gratitude to their families for their unwavering support throughout their years of service. Special mention was made of their wives, referred to as the “silent heroes,” for their sacrifices. The ceremony also honored fallen comrades who lost their lives in the line of duty, with prayers for their eternal rest.
In closing, the retirees pledged to continue contributing to the betterment of the Nigerian military and the nation as they transition to civilian life, grateful for the opportunity to have served and for the honor bestowed upon them through this memorable event.
Addressing the advancements within the Nigerian Army, Major-General Akintade praised the structural and operational progress made over the years. “The difference today is like day and night. When we came here, we had colonial buildings; now, we see modern structures and well-trained soldiers and officers. It is far better than what we met 35 years ago,” he stated.
In a message to the next generation of soldiers, Akintade urged them to uphold their loyalty to the Federal Government and honor the oath of allegiance they took to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity. “Challenges are part of the journey, but as soldiers, we’re trained to overcome them. Every challenge we faced, we turned into an opportunity,” he remarked.
Though officially retired, the Major-Generals remain committed to their duties, prepared to serve if called upon. Their retirement serves as a milestone in the Nigerian Army’s ongoing legacy, reinforcing its commitment to defending the nation and fostering future generations of military leaders.