A Heartfelt Farewell: Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps Honors Five Retired Major Generals
By Ayoola Mojibade
LAGOS NIGERIA. The Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps (NAOC) recently bid farewell to five distinguished Major Generals at Abalti Barracks, Surulere, Lagos, marking the culmination of their illustrious careers. Major Generals Omotomilola Akintade, Ayobami Ibikunle, Martins Enendu, Adeyemi Alabi and Patrick Eze were honoured for their decades-long service, dedication and sacrifice
A Poignant Ceremony
The poignant pulling-out ceremony, held on October 25, 2024, at Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, Albati Barracks, Surulere Lagos featured Major General Akintade as the Reviewing Officer. In his heartfelt valedictory speech, Akintade thanked God for protecting them throughout their service. He attributed their success to divine grace, reflecting on their journey from young Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) cadets to distinguished leaders.
Words of Wisdom
Akintade urged serving personnel to remain steadfast and loyal to the Nigerian Army and nation. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the Nigerian Army’s customs and traditions. This advice echoes similar sentiments expressed by Major General Adekunle Martins at a previous pulling-out parade.
Appreciation and Gratitude
Akintade thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and praised Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, for his leadership. The Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) also received appreciation for their unwavering support. The ceremony concluded with group photographs, attended by senior military officers, retired officers and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major General Farouq Mijinyawa
Enduring Legacy
This grand farewell celebrated the retirees’ enduring legacy within the Nigerian Army. Their dedication and sacrifice serve as inspiration to serving personnel. The NAOC’s gesture demonstrates respect for meritorious service, ensuring the continuity of the Nigerian Army’s values and traditions.
The Significance of Military Pulling-Out Ceremonies: Honoring Decades of ServiceA pulling-out ceremony is a revered tradition within military circles, symbolizing the culmination of illustrious careers. This dignified ritual honours retiring senior officers, acknowledging their dedication, sacrifice and meritorious service. The origins of pulling-out ceremonies date back to ancient military traditions. In Nigeria, this custom was adopted upon independence in 1960. The Nigerian Armed Forces, comprising the Army, Navy and Air Force, have continued to uphold this meaningful practice.
Pulling-out ceremonies embody the military’s respect for service, sacrifice and dedication. These events ensure the continuity of values and traditions, inspiring generations of military personnel.
