On a significant Monday, 3rd of June 2024, the Nigerian Army marked a pivotal moment by pulling out 16 Generals who had retired from active service within the Nigerian Army Education Corps (NAEC).
This is as stated by Captain Yemi Sokoya, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Army Education Corps in Abuja.
The ceremonial pulling out parade took place at the Sobi Military Cantonment in Ilorin, a setting befitting the honor and recognition these esteemed officers were accorded.
Captain Sokoya emphasized that the pulling out parade was not merely a routine event but a celebration of the distinguished and selfless service these retired Generals had provided to the Nigerian Army, the NAEC, and the nation at large. Their contributions had significantly shaped the educational landscape of the Nigerian Army, the reason for the event.
The highlight of the event was a keynote address delivered by retired Major-General Muktar Bunza, who was not only the Special Guest of Honour but also one of the celebrated retirees. His words resonated with gratitude and pride as he reflected on the opportunity to serve the nation. “Today, we are extremely grateful for the opportunities to serve our nation,” Bunza stated. “Our service years have indeed given us the leeway to significantly contribute to the growth and development of the NAEC and the Nigerian Army in general.”
Major-General Bunza’s speech confirmed the elite status of the NAEC within the Nigerian Army. He highlighted the Corps’ important role in human capacity development, particularly in the fields of art, science, curriculum development, and language studies. According to him, the NAEC had consistently been a pacesetter in these areas, demonstrating its lasting relevance and impact.
Bunza urged the NAEC to continue its tradition of excellence by proactively applying science and technology. He stressed that such forward-thinking approaches would enable the Nigerian Army to meet its evolving responsibilities effectively. His call to action was clear: the NAEC must stay ahead by leveraging technological advancements to maintain its elite status and contribute meaningfully to the army’s overall mission.
Bunza also expressed deep gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Taoreed Lagbaja, for his unwavering support to the Corps. He particularly lauded Lagbaja’s commitment to sustaining Command Schools and reviving their past glory through strategic infrastructural developments. These interventions, Bunza noted, had been pivotal in restoring the schools’ status as citadels of educational excellence across the country.
Bunza appealed to the COAS to persist with these noble endeavours, ensuring that Command Schools remain beacons of quality education nationwide. His appreciation extended to the Commander of the NAEC, Major-General Baba Tsoho, for organizing the pulling out parade. Bunza commended Tsoho’s dedication and determined resolve to position the Corps rightly, maintaining its legacy of excellence.
Addressing his fellow retirees, Major-General Bunza emphasized the enduring value of their legacy and wisdom. “With utmost respect, our legacy and wisdom are invaluable to the NAEC, the Nigerian Army, and the nation as a whole,” he said. “Let us keep the Corps close to our hearts, offering guidance and support whenever needed. Our experience and insights are crucial as the NAEC face the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
The pulling out ceremony at Sobi Military Cantonment was a grand affair, steeped in tradition and military decorum. It was not just a farewell but a recognition of the substantial contributions made by these Generals during their service. The event was attended by high-ranking military officials, dignitaries, and the families of the retirees, all gathered to honor the Generals’ illustrious careers.
The parade featured a series of traditional military honors, including a review of troops, a ceremonial march past, and the symbolic lowering of the flag. Each element of the ceremony was meticulously planned and executed, reflecting the high esteem in which the retirees were held.
The 16 Generals who retired represented a diverse array of expertise and leadership within the Nigerian Army. Their careers had spanned decades, during which they had witnessed and contributed to significant changes within the military and the nation. Their roles in the NAEC were particularly noteworthy, as they had been instrumental in shaping the educational frameworks and policies that had enhanced the professional development of countless soldiers.
These Generals had overseen various educational initiatives, from the establishment of new training programs to the integration of advanced technologies in military education. Their efforts had ensured that the Nigerian Army remained at the forefront of military education, not just in Nigeria but across Africa.
As the NAEC looks to the future, the departure of these Generals marks both an end and a new beginning. The Corps stands on the solid foundation laid by these leaders, ready to embrace new challenges and opportunities. The emphasis on science and technology, as highlighted by Major-General Bunza, points to a future where the NAEC will continue to innovate and adapt, maintaining its status as a leader in military education.
The ceremony was also a reminder of the importance of leadership and mentorship within the military. The retiring Generals had not only led by example but had also mentored the next generation of military educators and leaders. Their influence would continue to be felt for years to come, shaping the future of the NAEC and the Nigerian Army.
An often overlooked but crucial aspect of military service is the support provided by the families of servicemen and women. The pulling out parade also served as an opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifices made by the families of the retiring Generals. Their unwavering support had been instrumental in enabling these officers to serve the nation with dedication and excellence.
Speakers at the event paid tribute to the families, recognizing the challenges they had faced and the important role they had played. The families’ presence at the ceremony underscored the close-knit nature of the military community and the shared sense of purpose and commitment.
The pulling out of 16 Generals from the Nigerian Army Education Corps was a momentous occasion, marked by a deep sense of gratitude, pride, and reflection. It celebrated the remarkable careers of these distinguished officers and their significant contributions to the Nigerian Army and the nation. The ceremony was a testament to the enduring legacy of the NAEC and its continued commitment to excellence in military education.
