The Nigerian Army Ordinance Corps held a retirement ceremony on Friday in Lagos, where five major generals were officially pulled out from service. According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the event took place at the NAOC headquarters in Abalti Barracks, Surulere.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Maj.-Gen Omotomilola Akintade shared reflections on their military careers, acknowledging that the journey was challenging, with moments of hardship, resilience, vulnerability, conflict, and peace. He noted that these experiences were far beyond what they could have anticipated during their training at the Nigerian Defence Academy.
Akintade expressed the honor he felt representing the other four generals on such a significant day, marking their formal departure from active service in both the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces. He added that they were grateful to be recognized with a valedictory parade as they took their final steps away from the military profession.
“I reflect with great sense of nostalgia, about 34 years ago, when we reported to this very place as young, vibrant and enthusiastic officers after graduation from the Nigerian Defence Academy.
“It was with pride and honour to have been posted to the NAOC. I am confident to say that each of us being pulled out today has benefited immensely from this corps, which has helped to nurture us from novices to true professionals and outstanding leaders.
“We shall continue to uphold the Ordnance Corps virtue of “One Big Family,” he said.
He said it took endurance, encouragement, determination, the grace of God and prayers to reach the pinnacle of their profession.
He also said that it was his honour to speak on behalf of the other four retired generals being pulled out on the unique and memorable occasion.
Akintade said it marked the formal disengagement from active service in the Nigerian Army and indeed the Armed Forces.
He said that they were most delighted to be honoured with a valedictory parade, as they bade farewell to the profession of arms.
“I reflect with great sense of nostalgia, about 34 years ago, when we reported to this very place as young, vibrant and enthusiastic officers after graduation from the Nigerian Defence Academy.
“It was with pride and honour to have been posted to the NAOC. I am confident to say that each of us being pulled out today has benefited immensely from this corps, which has helped to nurture us from novices to true professionals and outstanding leaders.
“We shall continue to uphold the Ordnance Corps virtue of “One Big Family,” he said.
He said it took endurance, encouragement, determination, the grace of God and prayers to reach the pinnacle of their profession.
“Today, is notably a remarkable day that will long remain etched in our hearts. It is a day of grave emotional sentiments, nostalgic memories, genuine thankfulness, boundless joy and above all, a sense of unwavering contentment.
“We are bowing out of service at a critical moment when our beloved country is going through a number of challenges and the Nigerian Armed Forces are playing a very critical role in combating these challenges by being deployed to carry out internal security duties.”
He admonished all serving personnel to be loyal, dedicated and highly professional in the execution of their duties.
“I urge you to avoid actions that will bring the name and image of the Ordinance Corps and indeed the Nigerian Army to disrepute.
“Let me also remind you of the Oath of Allegiance, to which we all swore on commission, which is to be loyal to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to protect her territorial integrity from external aggression.
“In this regard, you must continue to demonstrate a total commitment to your duty to the nation without any form of bias or involvement in partisan politics.
“As my colleagues and I bid you all farewell today, I would like to appreciate the Nigerian Army for giving us the opportunity to serve our fatherland in different capacities within and outside the country,” he said,
He added “I must respectfully appreciate the present Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, and all the past COAS for their vision and deliberate focus towards ensuring a vibrant Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, that is capable of sustaining the Nigerian Army both in peace and war.
“I am confident that the corps will continue to offer valuable support to the Nigerian Army.”
