By Stanley Okehie
The Nigerian Army has decorated eight of its officers with new ranks, charging them to remain committed to excellence in the discharge of their duties.
Six officers were elevated to the rank of Major, while two others were promoted to Captain during a ceremony held at the Officers Mess, 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze.
Speaking at the event, the Commander of 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Brigadier General Abbas Ibrahim Muazu, advised the officers to uphold good conduct and not to relent in their service to the nation.
General Abbas, who described the officers as some of the finest he had worked with in his career, attributed the brigade’s successes to their gallantry and dedication. He urged them to sustain the effort, stressing that promotion comes with higher responsibility.
He congratulated the newly decorated officers and reiterated the Army’s commitment to rewarding hard work.
“Do not allow your new ranks to influence your official conduct. Rather, sustain your passion for perfection,” he cautioned.
Also speaking, the House of Representatives member for Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta and Oru West Federal Constituency, Hon. Eugene Dibiagwu, commended the Nigerian Army for recognizing diligence and for contributing to the relative peace in Imo State. He encouraged the officers to remain steadfast in service to the nation.
In his remarks, the Commanding Officer, 34 Artillery Brigade Signals, Major Daniel Iornem, alongside other senior officers, charged the newly promoted officers to demonstrate a renewed commitment to their duties.
Among those decorated was Major Joseph Akubo, Assistant Director, Public Relations, 34 Artillery Brigade. He expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff for finding him and others worthy of promotion and pledged greater dedication to the Army’s vision of a peaceful nation.
A native of Lokoja, Kogi State, Major Akubo had his early education at St. Mary’s Primary School, Lokoja, and ABU Staff School, Zaria, before proceeding to St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary, Zaria. He later obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and a Master’s degree in the same field from the same institution.
Admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy in August 2012 as a member of Short Service Course 41, Akubo was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on May 26, 2013. He has since attended several military and civil courses, including the Young Officers Course (Infantry and Public Relations), Mortar Platoon Commanders Course, FC Amphibious Course, Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency courses in Turkey and Israel, as well as the Advanced Media Relations Course.
He has served in various units and formations, including 103 Battalion, Headquarters 81 Division, Nigerian Army Training Centre, Kontagora, before his posting to 34 Artillery Brigade as Assistant Director of Public Relations.
Major Akubo also took part in several military operations such as the United Nations Mission in Darfur with Nigeria Battalion 45, Operation Zaman Lafiya, Operation Idarin Daji, Operation Python Dance II, and currently Operation Udoka.
A member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Akubo recently received a commendation letter from the Brigade Commander. He enjoys listening to music, playing football, and long-distance driving. He is married with two children.
Other officers decorated with the rank of Major were Stephen Gabriel, Ugochukwu Charles Adiele, Mohammed Saud, Awoteyi Ganiyu, and Muhydeen Adeniyi. Those elevated to Captain were Hilarion Chibuikem Mmeriebekini and Yunus Audu.
The ceremony featured the presentation of gifts to the newly promoted officers.
