The Nigerian Army Ordinance Corps (NAOC) on Friday pulled out five retired Major Generals in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the officers bade the army farewell at the headquarters of NAOC, Abalti Barracks, Surulere, Lagos.
The reviewing Officer, Maj.-Gen Omotomilola Akintade, who spoke on behalf of the other four, said that the journey was a tough one, noting that there were periods of pain, strength, weaknesses, war and peace.
Akintade, however, said that “these experiences, which characterise our noble profession, were not unanticipated during training at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA)”.
He also said that it was his honour to speak on behalf of the other four retired generals being pulled out on the unique and memorable occasion.
Akintade said it marked the formal disengagement from active service in the Nigerian Army and, indeed, the Armed Forces.
He said that they were most delighted to be honoured with a valedictory parade as they bade farewell to the profession of arms.
“I reflect, with great sense of nostalgia, about 34 years ago, when we reported to this very place as young, vibrant and enthusiastic officers after graduation from the Nigerian Defence Academy.
“It was with an honour to have been posted to the NAOC. I am confident to say that each of us being pulled out today had benefited immensely from the corps which has helped to nurture us from novices to true professionals and outstanding leaders.
“We shall continue to uphold the Ordnance Corps virtue of “One Big Family,” he said.
He said it took endurance, encouragement, determination, grace of God and prayers to reach the pinnacle of the profession.
“Today is notably a remarkable day that will long remain etched in our hearts. It is a day of great emotional sentiments, nostalgic memories, genuine thankfulness, boundless joy and above all, a sense of unwavering contentment.
“We are bowing out of service at a critical moment when our beloved country is going through a number of challenges and Armed Forces personnel are being deployed to carry out internal security duties.
Leave a Comment