Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has hailed retired and retiring officers of the Nigerian Army for their sacrifices and unwavering commitment to the nation’s stability.
The Defence Minister, who stated this during a Regimental Dinner Night organized in honour of newly retired and retiring Nigerian Army senior officers at the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess Asokoro, Abuja, during the retirement of some officers, assured the retirees of prompt payment of their pension.
Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director, Army Public Relations, in a statement said the Minister urged the retirees to take a break and reflect appropriately on the next phase of life, assuring them of the government’s commitment to prompt payment of pensions of retired personnel.
The Minister 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 adding that the disposition of the Armed Forces towards democracy had made it a shining example in West Africa and an influencer in the comity of nations.
He noted that the occasion provides Nigerian Army the opportunity to reflect on its service and profound dedication as demonstrated by the retired and retiring senior officers, adding that experiences and skills garnered while in service and respect for diversity, which has been their working principles throughout their career will provide them a veritable platform as they exit the service.
He noted that the Federal Government will continue to do all within its reach to improve the well- being of serving and retired personnel.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja enjoined the 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.
Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of Retired Generals, Major General Victor Ezugwu thanked the COAS for the honour accorded them, pledging that they will remain good ambassadors of the Nigerian Army, even at retirement.
