The Theater Commander Operation Hadin Kai, JTF North East Headquarters, Maiduguri, Major General Shaibu Wahidi, has charged newly promoted officers to prepare themselves to contribute to the solutions of security challenges facing the nation.
Twenty two officers were promoted to the ranks of Brigadier General, Navy Commodore and Colonel for their performance in the ongoing counter insurgency fight against Boko Haram insurgents in the region, which comprises of 7 Colonels promoted to Brigadier General, one Navy Captain promoted to Commodore and 14 Lieutenant Colonels to Colonels.
While decorating them Friday night at Maimamalari Cantonment Officers Mess, Major General Wahidi said: “The security challenges in the country are many. In the North-east, there is a problem, Northwest there is a problem, North Central, Southeast, Niger Delta and southwest are a bit calm. So, you must prepare yourself to contribute in bringing these challenges under control. You must thrive to develop yourself in that region.
“There is need for you to put on your best to support whatever command you are in for you to build up your resume, for you to make a name for yourself as staff officers. So, take that very seriously. Or you may be commanders of specialist units. Those of you that are in the armour corps, you may be Commanding Officers (CO ) of Ricky units,” Gen. Shaibu said.
The commander further added: “For every job performance appraisal or employee performance, there is strong correlation between the two. Promotion is just one aspect of the recognition, which you have attended today. “
While warning those promoted to the ranks of Colonel, General Shaibu said: “For the Colonels, you still have something to do to come to the front row. You need to prepare yourself adequately for Defense College in the next two years or thereabout . You will be going to the Defense College and you must be prepared, if not, that will be the end of the road for you.”
“While for those of you in the front you are looking forward to be Brigade Commanders, where you now command 3 battalions You now manage complex problems and in managing complex problems.
“There is a lot that you the stakeholders will do. Not only would your soldiers do it. So, you would be up there looking at the problems and trying to bring solutions. So you need to prepare yourself accordingly.
“In the next five years, make it a point of duty to make each year count. Wherever you found yourself, put in your very best in contributing to the system.
“Your elevation is a call to duty. You must thrive to see what befits the system. So, I want to join your family and friends to once again congratulate you,” Shaibu said.
In his remark, the Special Guest of Honour, Governor Babagana Zulum of Bormo state said: “On behalf of the government and the people of Bormo state, let me extend my congratulations to the newly promoted officers. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. I hope this new role will catapult you to the next level.”
Represented by the permanent secretary, Government House, Mustapha Busugurma, he assured the military of his government’s continued support.