Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6th Division, Nigerian Army, and Land Component Commander of the Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE, underscored the significance of troops’ welfare as a critical facet of command. This statement was made during the investiture ceremony honoring three recently promoted senior officers, who were elevated to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, held at Port Harcourt Barracks.
During his address, Major General Abdussalam reiterated that the rank of Lieutenant Colonel holds substantial importance within the Nigerian Army (NA), as it paves the way for an officer to assume the role of a Commanding Officer. Furthermore, he emphasized that achieving this rank bestows officers with invaluable experiences that will resonate throughout their careers within the NA.
Major General Abdussalam admonished the newly decorated officers to uphold the core values of the NA as guiding principles for success in their professional journeys. He stressed the imperatives of selfless service, unwavering loyalty, and unwavering discipline, which constitute the bedrock upon which the NA is founded. He underscored that discipline begets courage, while integrity remains an indispensable cornerstone for all officers.
The GOC extended his heartfelt congratulations to the newly promoted officers for their well-deserved elevation to the esteemed rank of Lieutenant Colonels within the NA. He urged them to maintain the highest standards of professionalism to project a positive image of the NA in any capacity or location they may find themselves. He also reminded them of the paramount importance of attending to the welfare of the troops under their command, as it profoundly influences the manner in which officers and soldiers fulfill their responsibilities.
In a vote of thanks presented on behalf of the newly promoted senior officers, Lieutenant Colonel Umar Bature expressed their gratitude to the Almighty, the Chief of Army Staff, and the GOC for their privilege and unwavering support in achieving this milestone in their careers. He pledged their unwavering loyalty to the President and Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Furthermore, he assured that they would continue to serve the nation with unwavering dedication, regardless of the capacities in which they may be placed.
The distinguished officers who were newly decorated with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel are Lieutenant Colonels Umar Bature, Josehat Ogor, and Buda Magaji, all of the 6th Division, Nigerian Army. The ceremony was graced by the presence of family members, friends, and well-wishers.
