The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, has urged newly promoted senior officers to prioritise the welfare of their troops and serve as mentors to their subordinates.

He gave the charge during the decoration ceremony of officers promoted from Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel at the 81 Division Officers’ Mess, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Mijinyawa congratulated the officers, describing the promotion as both a divine gift and a recognition of their hard work, discipline, and dedication. He commended their service to the Nigerian Army and urged them to remain focused and prepared for higher responsibilities.

The GOC emphasised that effective leadership is measured by how well officers care for and guide their subordinates, adding that attention to troops’ welfare directly impacts operational success.

Those decorated include the Commanding Officer of the 1040 Division Workshop, Colonel N. I. Ota; the Acting Commander of the 81 Military Intelligence Brigade, Colonel K. E. Amedu; and the Acting Chief of Staff of the 55 Signals Brigade, Colonel I. I. Peters.

Speaking on behalf of the newly promoted officers, Colonel Ota expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for their elevation, and appreciated Major General Mijinyawa for his mentorship and guidance. He pledged renewed dedication to duty and thanked their families, colleagues, and subordinates for their support.

The ceremony was attended by senior officers, including the President of the Mess Committee, 81 Division Officers’ Mess, Brigadier General U. D. Igbokwe; Chief of Staff, Headquarters 81 Division, Brigadier General M. A. Oloyede; Commander, 9 Brigade, Brigadier General O. M. Oyekola; Commander, 55 Signal Brigade, Brigadier General M. M. Mato; Commander, 81 Division Garrison, Brigadier General G. U. Bukar; and Acting Commander, Ordnance Services, Colonel D. C. Filibus, among others.