The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, on Monday, addressed newly promoted Nigerian Army major generals at their decoration ceremony

The defence chief reminded the generals of the impact their leadership has on both the armed forces and the nation.

Speaking at the event, Musa urged the officers to maintain dedication to their duties and uphold the highest standards of military excellence.

Drawing from his operational experience alongside many of the promoted officers in various theaters including Mongonuu, Damaturu, and other strategic locations, Musa praised their commitment to service.

Quoting him, “Having reached the peak of your careers, always remember that the Nigerian Army and the armed forces will continue to rely on the leadership and expertise of individuals like you to safeguard our country and its people. Nigeria is looking up to us. We must do everything to defend democracy in Nigeria and across the sub-region.

“As a Chief of Defense, I am proud to witness this momentous occasion which is a testament of your dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“Gentlemen, your promotion is well-deserved recognition of your achievements and a reflection that almost all of you have had one reason or the other to have operated together with you either at the theater, especially Sector 3, Mongonu, Sector 2, Damaturu, Teatr Hekotas, and every other location. And this is a clear indication that there is a reward for hard work.”

Musa added, “It takes men of steel and character for the Armed Forces to succeed and the rank of Major General signifies a high level of responsibility and a deep sense of duty towards the country.

“It is a duty and a task for all of us to perform. We have been dealing with insurgencies, terrorism, banditry for 15, 16 years and still counting and I think it is high time that we dealt with it finally and I know we can do it.

“So I want to call on all of us to put on our thinking caps and make that great sacrifice that 2025 should be a determining year for the armed forces of Nigeria.”

He urged Nigerians to unite in support of the Armed Forces and other security services, saying that the country’s success and progress depended on everyone working together.

Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff, stated that as the Army works to achieve national security goals, more accountability will be expected of the promoted senior commanders.

He told the major generals that they have a role to perform and that higher rank entails more responsibility “to whom much is given, much is correspondingly expected.”

“This is a fact that the majority fail to come to terms with until they are forced to do so and the boats will start sailing. So, let me challenge you to start perfecting your post-service life in Levos quietly as to bask in the euphoria of your Promotion. However, you must not let such plans interfere with your jobs in any way to avoid a conflict of interest.

“I congratulate the newly decorated Major Generals and their families on their well-deserved elevation to the enviable rank of two-star General in the General Army.

“I particularly congratulate and appreciate the spouses and immediate family members of these celebrants without whose support and prayers their current achievements may not have been possible,” General Oluyede said.