Military bids farewell to 16 retired Generals

The Nigerian Army hosted a formal goodbye event on Monday to honour 16 Generals who have completed their active service and are about to retire from the Nigerian Army Education Corps (NAEC).

According to a statement issued by Captain Yemi Sokoya, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the Nigerian Army Education Corps headquarters in Abuja.

Captain Sokoya served as the spokesperson for the event at farewell ceremony for the 16 retiring Generals that held at the Sobi Military Cantonment in Ilorin.

He also said that the pulling out parade was to celebrate the illustrious and selfless service the retired Generals have rendered to the Nigerian Army, NAEC and the nation at large.

Mr Sokoya said that in a key note address, retired Maj.-Gen. Muktar Bunza, the Special Guest of Honour and also one of the celebrants said that it was a thing of gratitude to have the opportunity to serve the nation.

According to him, today, we are extremely grateful for the opportunities to serve our nation. Our service years had indeed given us the leeway to significantly contribute to the growth and development of the NAEC and NA in general.”

Bunza noted that the NAEC had remained an elite corps in the NA, adding that the place of the corps in the history and development of the NA as a pacesetter in human capacity development in art, science, curriculum as well as languages were still relevant.

He implored the corps to always be ahead through proactive application of science and technology to help the NA achieve its dynamic responsibilities.

He expressed his gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja for his unwavering support to the corps, especially his commitment to the sustainability of Command Schools and reviving their past glory.

This he said was through strategic interventions in infrastructural development which had been pivotal.

He also appealed to the COAS to continue with the noble endeavor to ensure Command Schools once again become citadels of excellence in education across the country.

He further expressed gratitude to Maj.-Gen. Baba Tsoho, the Commander, NAEC, for organising the pulling out parade.

Bunza also applauded the dedication and determined resolve of the commander to put the corps in its rightful position.

Addressing his fellow retirees, he said, “With the utmost respect, I believe our legacy and wisdom are invaluable assets to the Nigerian Army Education Corps, the Nigerian Army, and the nation at large.

“Let us keep the corps close to our hearts, offering guidance and support whenever needed.

“Our experience and insights are crucial as NAEC navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

(NAN)