The Nigerian Army on Wednesday held a valedictory dinner in honour of 52 generals, comprising 23 major-generals and 29 brigadier- generals who have retired and will be retiring before the end of the year.
The one- star and two-star generals were presented with their records of service certificates by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya.
Yahaya said the event was designed to honour and appreciate the officers for their services to the Nigerian Army and the nation at large.
He said there was need to celebrate and be grateful to God for reaching the peak of their careers, adding that a number of their colleagues who joined the service with them had died.
“It is, therefore, my honor and privilege to most sincerely appreciate you all for your sacrifices and meritorious services to the nation and this gesture will in future be replicated at divisional and brigade levels for our retiring officers of the rank of colonel and below.
“It will also be designed for our soldiers and in the end this culture of appreciating and honoring our personnel on exit from loyal and meritorious service to their fatherland will be entrenched and institutionalised as being witnessed today.
“We should all continue to cultivate, nurture and nourish them and lie on them in and out of service,“ he said.
The COAS said the daunting security challenges facing the nation currently required that all hands should be on deck toward arresting the situation.
He said the high command of the Nigerian Army would continue to consult the retired generals and tap from their wealth of experience.
“On our part, we shall continue to explore avenues with a view to meaningfully engage, appreciate and support our retired colleagues in whatever way possible.
“I would like to assure you of my commitment to improving the welfare of your families as our health facilities and other welfare packages will be available to you in various barracks and cantonment across the country.
“You are also welcome to attend our functions and sessions to extend your mentorship to the younger personnel who have always looked up to you for guidance and direction,” he said.
