After 35 years of meritorious service to the nation, the Nigerian Army, on Saturday, treated the retired and retiring generals to a regimental dinner and awards to honour them.
The senior officers comprised 24 major generals and 38 brigadier generals who retired or are due to retire within 2022.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, said the event shows the beginning of a process for the retired and retiring senior officers who would transition into another phase of life that would be slightly different from what they were used to.
General Irabor said the officers deserved to be honoured by the nation, adding that the event was a representation of national honours to them.
Irabor said a lot of improvement has been seen lately in terms of welfare and administration in the armed forces, urging them to ensure that they make themselves happy in retirement.
“On that note, I wish every one of you the very best in retirement.
“Like I said to you guys there is no engagement that would take your time and energy for as long as you live that will be demanding of you the way the armed forces have demanded of you, and of course the army in particular.
“…it behoves on you to be the ambassadors of the armed forces, to change the orientation of many who do not know us,” he said.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya said the regimental dinner was organised to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions and sacrifices of the senior officers to their fatherland.
He urged them to continue to deploy their expertise and competencies in support of the service, adding that the army had opened avenues to engage retired officers willing to deliver their skills and competencies.
