The Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, on Tuesday, decorated newly promoted senior officers elevated from the rank of Major to Lieutenant Colonel within the Brigade.
He charged them to justify their elevation through renewed dedication, loyalty, and service to the nation. The ceremony, which saw the decoration of five senior officers, was held at the Tiger 4 Officers’ Mess, Benin City, Edo State.
The Commander further reminded the newly decorated officers that promotion is not merely a reward but a clear indication of the greater responsibilities expected of them by the Army Council and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). He urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by mentoring junior officers and soldiers under their command, as well as contributing meaningfully to the operational success and integrity of the Nigerian Army.
He also charged them to lead by example, uphold the core values of the Nigerian Army, and remain steadfast in the face of evolving security challenges. He stressed that their actions, decisions, and conduct would not only influence their subordinates but also shape the overall effectiveness and image of the Army.
The Commander paid glowing tribute to the families of the newly decorated officers, particularly their spouses, whom he described as steadfast pillars behind the successes being celebrated. He acknowledged that the journey to promotion is never walked alone, noting that the sacrifices, patience, and unwavering support of the home front have been instrumental in enabling the officers to discharge their duties effectively.
He urged the families to continue to stand firmly beside their husbands, offering the moral and emotional support necessary for them to excel in their expanded responsibilities.
Delivering their words of advice, the Commander, 4 Brigade Garrison, Lieutenant Colonel Awwal Audu, and the Acting Deputy Director, Benin Group of Church Protestant/4 Brigade Chaplain, Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Dallys, urged the officers to see their elevation not as a destination but as the beginning of greater responsibility and higher expectations.
They reminded them that the rank of Lieutenant Colonel places them at a critical level of command and staff responsibility, where decisions carry significant operational and strategic consequences. They further urged them to invest in the welfare, training, and mentorship of their subordinates, stressing that the strength of the Army lies in the quality and morale of its personnel.
They were encouraged to be decisive yet fair, firm yet compassionate, and always mindful of the trust reposed in them by the nation.
In his vote of thanks, Lieutenant Colonel David Omoregie, on behalf of the newly decorated officers, thanked God Almighty for His grace and protection, which enabled them to attain the enviable rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Nigerian Army.
He also expressed their gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for finding them worthy of the elevation. He further appreciated the Brigade Commander, for presiding over the ceremony and for the confidence reposed in them. He pledged that they would remain steadfast in addressing security challenges and ensuring the safety and territorial integrity of Nigeria.
The newly decorated senior officers are Lieutenant Colonel W. D. Omoregie, Lieutenant Colonel (Rev Fr) M. Nwafor, Lieutenant Colonel U. M. Tomsu, Lieutenant Colonel M. T. Nwali, and Lieutenant Colonel S. K. Alkali.
Highlights of the ceremony included the decoration of the senior officers with their new ranks, photographs and a luncheon.
Discussion about this post