The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, has tasked newly promoted officers to make the welfare of their troops a top priority and to serve as mentors and role models to their subordinates.
He gave the charge during the decoration ceremony of officers promoted from Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel, held on 21 October 2025, at the 81 Division Officers’ Mess, Victoria Island, Lagos.
While congratulating the officers on their elevation, Major General Mijinyawa described promotion as both a divine privilege and a recognition of merit, saying it comes with higher expectations and increased responsibility. He lauded their dedication, discipline, and outstanding service to the Nigerian Army, urging them to justify the confidence reposed in them through renewed commitment to duty and exemplary leadership.
The GOC stressed that true leadership extends beyond command and control, adding that officers must show empathy, guide their subordinates, and ensure the welfare of troops and their families. “Leadership is about service. The welfare of those you lead must be your priority, because a motivated soldier is a productive soldier,” he stated.
He further encouraged them to embrace mentorship, teamwork, and continuous self-development, noting that such qualities are essential in sustaining operational effectiveness within the Nigerian Army.
The newly promoted officers include Colonel N.I. Ota, Commanding Officer, 1040 Division Workshop; Colonel K.E. Amedu, Acting Commander, 81 Military Intelligence Brigade; and Colonel I.I. Peters, Acting Chief of Staff, 55 Signals Brigade.
Speaking on behalf of the newly promoted officers, Colonel N.I. Ota expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, NAM, for the confidence reposed in them and to the GOC for his mentorship and leadership. He pledged that the officers would continue to uphold the core values of loyalty, courage, and professionalism while redoubling efforts in service to the nation.
He also thanked their families and colleagues for their unwavering support, describing the promotion as a shared victory born of teamwork and divine grace.
The event was graced by several senior officers, including Brigadier General U.D. Igbokwe, President, Mess Committee; Brigadier General M.A. Oloyede, Chief of Staff, Headquarters 81 Division; Brigadier General O.M. Oyekola, Commander 9 Brigade; Brigadier General M.M. Mato, Commander 55 Signal Brigade; and Brigadier General G.U. Bukar, Commander 81 Division Garrison, among others.
The colourful ceremony featured the official decoration of the officers, goodwill messages, and a group photograph with family members, friends, and colleagues to commemorate the milestone.
, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, has tasked newly promoted officers to make the welfare of their troops a top priority and to serve as mentors and role models to their subordinates.){kind=link}