Change of Baton in 81 Division: The Exit of a Patriot and  Entrance of Another Patriot

By OOA

The former General Officer Commanding 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General OC Ajunwa has handed over the command of the Division to the new GOC, Major General MT Usman, on Monday, 24 July 23. Gen Ajunwa is now the DG, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Abuja. While addressing troops during the ceremony, Ajunwa charged troops to remain disciplined, loyal and support the new GOC the way they supported him throughout as the GOC.  He also thanked the COAS, Major General T. A. Lagbaja, for the opportunity given to him to serve as GOC 81 Division.

Mag Gen Ajunwa also commended the troops for their conduct during the 2023 general elections for their conduct, patriotism and steadfastness in ensuring a peaceful election in Lagos and Ogun States. The reason for thanking them is not far-fetched, the troops acted professionally and apolitical during the elections. They obeyed the directive from the GOC to be upright during the elections. This they did with total support for the division to ensure a seamless elections. The command style of Gen Ajunwa made this happen as troops welfare were taken as top priority. His fairness and firmness is second to non. Hence, the troops had no choice than to understand and move in the direction of the body language of their role model commander.

Maj Gen Ajunwa is an highly intelligent, humble, caring, generous leader and commander. A father figure to all his subordinates. He is always firm and fair in his dealings with either his contemporaries or subordinates. A senior officer who has built a dependable character and reputation for over 3 decades of meritorious service to his fatherland.

A patriotic, steadfast, bright, apolitical and unbiased general who stood his ground against all the enemy of the nation during the last general elections from detractors who deployed all pranks to cheat and scuttle the elections. The former General Officer 81 Division sacrificed his comfort zone for sanity to be maintained in Lagos state as he, a Major General, was on the move, putting surveillance on all nooks and crannies where troops were deployed in the metropolis to ensure troops act professionally.

The former General Officer Commanding is a patriot, man of integrity and unquestionable character as manifested in his unblemished records during the elections. This unique integrity he maintained all his years in the NA which earned him the Defence Attache to Brazil during which he was covering 16 other countries. Only excellent officers in the NA have the privilege of such an appointment. His unique performance earned him the command of the Division. A general who will not compromise his unblemished records and personal integrity for any reason, not ethical, financial, or political reasons.

Hence, he led the troops of the division to adopt a firm and resolute stance in providing security support for the Elections in a manner that effectively curbed and prevented ill-intention groups from violently interfering with the process.  He ensured Nigerians were allowed to choose their leaders and representatives in a peaceful manner.

As general Ajunwa takes a bow from 81 Division, taking over as the Director General of Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, we at Secured Naija who monitored his unequaled steadfastness and sincerity during the general elections, wish him well in his new assignment. We also welcome another patriot, Maj Gen Muhammed Takuti Usman, the immediate past General Officer Commanding 2 Division Nigerian Army. He has made his mark as the Commander Guards Brigade, guarding and protecting the seat of Power. A sensitive task that could be given to only the upright and the steadfast. It has to do with loyalty, respect for others, integrity and love for the nation.  General Usman successes in this enormous task, makes him the envy of all. A quiet, gentle, firm and fair commander whose approach to command is emulated by his subordinates and commended by his seniors.

He was born on 14 March 1971 in Niger state. He was commissioned into the Nigerian Army on 16 August 1995 as a member of 42 regular course of the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy.
Maj Gen Usman has attended all military course commensurate to his rank. He is a thorough bred infantry Officer who has also held several command and staff appointments in the course of his career among
which are;
a. Commanding Officer 177 Guards Battalion Keffi Nasarawa
State.
b. Chief of Staff Headquarters Guards Brigade
c. Commander Army Headquarter Task Force Brigade Munguno
and Baga during operation Zaman Lafiya
d. After which he was commander 28 Task Force Brigade in Borno and Adamawa State in operation Lafiya Dole, before his appointment as commander of the prestigious Guards Brigade on 5 August 2019. After which he was appointed as the GOC 2 Division Nigerian Army. He was the GOC of this prestigious Division before been appointed as GOC 81 Division. We at Secured Naija welcome him to Lagos and pray for success in his new assignment.

OOA writes from Lagos.