…As Army Boss Cautions against Actions that Could Embarrass Military
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, on Monday charged all the newly promoted senior officers of the Army to make 2025 a decisive year in the fight against banditry, terrorism and tackle insecurity in the country.
The Defence boss made the charge at the investiture ceremony for the 37 newly promoted Major Generals of the Nigerian Army.
Gen Musa, who stated this shortly after the decoration of the Major Generals in their new rank at the Army Officers Mess in Abuja.
Gen Musa said it is high time the armed forces decisively tackled the scourge, which he said has plagued the country for the past 15 years.
Gen. Christopher Musa, while congratulating decorated officers, described their promotion as a significant achievement and well deserved.
Musa emphasised that the promotion was a reward for hard work and commitment, stressing that only dedicated individuals could help Nigeria overcome its current security challenges.
He reminded the officers that Nigerians looked to the armed forces for a safe and secure country, and the military must do everything possible to protect the nation’s democracy.
In his own remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, (COAS) Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, reminded the new Major Generals that higher ranks come with greater responsibilities.
The COAS called on the officers to embrace the values of hard work and integrity.
He advised the senior officers to remain mindful of their elevated status, cautioning them to avoid actions that could embarrass the military.
He emphasised the need to justify the confidence placed in them through their conduct and performance.
“I wish to remind the newly promoted Major Generals that with higher rank comes higher responsibility.
“The system has played its part; now it is time for you to play yours. It is popularly said that to whom much is given, much is correspondingly expected. From now on, more accountability will be required from you,” Oluyede stated.
He highlighted the importance of their roles in national security, noting that their actions, whether positive or negative, would have significant implications for the military.
The COAS also encouraged the officers to fully embrace his command’s philosophy, which aimed to consolidate the transformation of the Nigerian Army.
“This transformation focuses on ensuring the recruitment of a well-motivated, combat-ready force capable of effectively carrying out its responsibilities in a joint and multi-agency environment.”
Oluyede further pointed out that, in the coming days, the officers would receive their postings and appointments.
He urged them to make his philosophy their guiding principle in their new roles.
He also reminded them that promotion to Major General marked the peak of their careers, signaling the beginning of their “home run.”
He advised them to start planning for life after service and to approach their new roles with humility, avoiding the distractions of promotion euphoria.
