…Former President Jonathan Honours Ex-ADC, Gen. Adegbe, at Army Decorations
By Franklin Adole
The newly appointed Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), yesterday delivered a firm charge to 28 freshly promoted senior Army officers, urging them to raise operational standards, deepen loyalty to the nation, and confront Nigeria’s evolving security challenges with renewed zeal.
The decoration ceremony, held at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess 1 in Asokoro, Abuja, saw 28 Brigadier Generals elevated to the rank of Major General, including one posthumous promotion. The event drew an impressive gathering of military and civilian dignitaries, led by former President Goodluck Jonathan, who attended to honour his former Aide-de-Camp (ADC), newly promoted Major General Ojogbane Adegbe.
General Musa, serving as Special Guest of Honour, praised the officers for what he described as years of courage, professionalism, and selfless service to the nation. He said their elevation was a reflection of their unwavering commitment to national security and their role in shaping the Nigerian Army’s strategic direction.
“These officers are among the finest leaders in our Armed Forces,” Musa said. He charged them to confront emerging threats with fresh resolve, stressing that their new ranks place them at the heart of Nigeria’s security architecture at a time of complex challenges. He also called for deeper inter-service cooperation, stronger intelligence sharing, and greater unity among security agencies.
The Defence Minister acknowledged the sacrifices of military families and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improved welfare and operational capacity. Delivering the President’s message, he assured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains committed to equipping the Armed Forces with better resources to enhance effectiveness.
Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, described the occasion as a milestone that rewards officers who have consistently demonstrated competence, integrity, and loyalty. He stressed that the Nigerian Army maintains a transparent, merit-based promotion system and highlighted ongoing efforts to uplift personnel welfare through improved healthcare, upgraded facilities, and improved living conditions.
Speaking on behalf of the newly promoted officers, Major General Francis Omata expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for approving their promotions. He pledged unwavering loyalty and reaffirmed their commitment to national service. He also thanked the Defence Minister and the COAS for the leadership and mentorship that continue to inspire their careers.
The ceremony was attended by an array of dignitaries, including the Minister of State for Finance, members of the National Assembly, Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, former Service Chiefs, principal staff officers from Defence and Service Headquarters, Corps Commanders, Commandants of military training institutions, and the President of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association.