The newly appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division and 1 Division respectively, have assumed command of their respective Divisions.
Major General Obinna Ajunwa assumed command of 81 Division, while Major General Taroeed Abiodun Lagbaja assumed command of 1 Division as it’s 39th GOC, both in line with the recent posting by the Headquarters NA Department of Military Secretary.
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At the handing and taking over ceremony of the office of the GOC held at Headquarters 81 Division in Lagos Major General Ajunwa thanked the Chief of Army Staff for finding him worthy of this great responsibility. He thereafter commended the immediate past GOC Major General Umar Thama Musa for taking the Division to greater heights. He pledged to contribute to the success recorded so far. General Ajunwa urged senior officers of the Division to work as a team and demonstrate professionalism during the discharge of their duties. He said the only way to ensure success is to move the Division to greater heights.
Earlier, the immediate past GOC, General Musa who has been redeployed as the new GOC 82 Division thanked God for granting him successful tenure of office and the COAS for finding him worthy of the appointment as GOC. He expressed confidence in the ability of the new GOC to deliver on his new assignment. He, therefore, thanked Commanders and Principal Staff Officers for the support and cooperation he enjoyed during his tour of duty and appealed for the same and even more to be extended to his successor.
Also speaking during the handing and taking over ceremony held at the Division’s Conference Room on 8 August 2022, Maj Gen Lagbaja commended the outgoing GOC Maj Gen Kabir Imam Mukhtar for his sterling leadership and commitment during his tour of duty. He then charge officers and soldiers to redouble their efforts in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities for optimum and satisfactory results.
Gen Lagbaja appreciated the Media for their supportive roles in all the Division’s activities and urged them not to relent. He added that the media and other critical stakeholders should assist the Division in balanced reportage and provision of credible and time information/intelligence that will assist the Division.
Earlier in his farewell address, the the outgoing GOC Maj Gen KI Mukhtar thanked the almighty God and the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya for the privilege to serve the Nigerian Army and 1 Division in as the 38th General Officer Commanding. He applauded the unique leadership style of the COAS and his untiring support for 1 Division. He also used the opportunity to thank officers and soldiers of the Division for their support during his tour of duty while urging them to accord same to the new GOC so as to bring banditry, kidnapping, insurgency and other forms of criminality to a lasting end.
Nnamdi Maduakor is a Writer, Investor and Entrepreneur