COAS urges retired officers to shun all forms of misconduct

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya has urged retired officers of the Nigerian Army to shun all forms of misconduct or actions capable of bringing the military to disrepute.

Yahaya said this in an address at the official Valedictory Regimental Dinner Night for the Year 2021 Retired Officers of the Rank of Colonel and Below within 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu on Saturday.

The COAS, represented by Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, reminded the retired officers that they should be worthy ambassadors, adding that “the soldier’s spirit in you should never be tired”.

He assured the retired officers that his administration remained committed to enhancing their welfare, noting that health facilities and welfare institutions of the Nigerian Army were still available to them in various barracks and cantonments.

“Retirement or discharge is an inevitable phase in the life of every military personnel and it marks the completion of active service to the nation. As such, I am delighted to celebrate with you today.

“I must commend you all for the remarkable achievements you made while in active service to the nation through the Army.

”I wish to also assure you that the Nigeria Army remains ever grateful for the services you rendered in the defence of our fatherland.

“This celebration should also be taken as an avenue to thank the Almighty God for the grace given you to render distinguished and meritorious service to our nation in the quest to restore peace and harmony to our beloved country.

“I urge you all never to rest on your oars even in retirement until this war is brought to an end in favour of the Armed Forces and by extension our nation.

“I will like to take this opportunity to inform you of the ongoing efforts to re-engage the services of our qualified retired/discharged personnel in order to continue to benefit from your wealth of priceless experience and professionalism garnered over the years,”.

The COAS said that those experiences and expertise would be relevant to enhancing the fighting efficiency of the military in its numerous ongoing operations.

“In this regard, you are welcome to attend our functions and sessions in order to continue to extend your fellowship to your colleagues you left in Service,” he said.

Earlier, the special guest of honour at the event, Retired Maj.-Gen. Donald Oji advised the retired officers to view retirement as a phase of life that required more patriotism and discipline.

Oji congratulated them for attaining the milestone of retirement hale and hearty; while urging them to draw closer to God.

Responding on behalf of the retired officers, Lt.-Col. Chukwuma Okoh Rtd, thanked the Nigerian Army, the COAS and the GOC of the division for the honour extended to them and their families.

Okoh assured the COAS and GOC of their readiness to always support the Army when the need arose.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of the award of “Distinguished Service” to each of the retired officers.