Major General Obinna Onubogu has assumed command as the 46th General Officer Commanding, GOC, 2 Division Nigerian Army.
Major General Onubogu assumed command following a handing-over ceremony at the Division’s Headquarters, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan.
The new GOC, who took over the command from his predecessor, Major General Bamidele Alabi, expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taureed Lagbaja for entrusting him with the stewardship of commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army.
Major General Onubogu noted that the new phase of his career would be for him, another opportunity to defend the values, interests and territory of Nigeria under the nation’s constitution and directive of the Chief of Army staff.
Major General Onubogu said the Division would do all that was required to sustain the commendable efforts of his predecessor to adequately protect and secure its Area of Responsibility.
The New GOC also urged commanders and staff officers of 2 Division to remain focused and committed to the act of defending the nation against external aggressions and other security challenges.
He stressed the imperative to improve operations, sustain capabilities, training, administration and troops welfare. General Onubogu also promised to continue to support the Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies to ensure a more secure environment.
The Nigerian Army says it remains committed, proactive in responding to security challenges and dealing with threats to peace and security of the country.
The General Officer commanding, GOC, 2 division Nigerian Army, Major General Bamidele Alabi stated this during the celebration of West Africa Social Activities, WASA, 2023 at the Major General JM Inienger Sport Complex, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Oojo Ibadan.
Major General Alabi assured the general public of a continuous professionalism in the discharge of their duties in cooperation with other security agencies, especially within 2 Division area of responsibility.
The GOC also promised to remain resolute and highly committed towards achieving the Command Philosophy with emphasis on sound administration, effective leadership and operational effectiveness.
Speaking at the event, Major General Alabi said WASA celebration was inherited from the colonial era after World War II and has been entrenched as a major social event that is held annually by the Nigerian Army
The GOC stated further that the event afforded soldiers and their families to interact with their host communities as a way of marking the end of the year’s activities.
“WASA provides an opportunity for the personnel to celebrate their culture heritage in a conducive atmosphere and to foster espirit de corps. “
“The Chief of Army Army staff, COAS in an effort to convey his philosophy which is “To Transform the NA into a Well-Trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment.” to troops of the NA has continued to promote the sustenance of WASA as an annual event.”
“The various formations and units of 2 Division within Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment are today prepared to treat our guests to exotic cultural dances, displays and exquisite cuisines. “
Major General Alabi, therefore, commended the troops of 2 Division Nigerian Army for all their efforts at sustaining peace and security within the Division’s Area of Responsibility.
“The troops of the Division also successfully participated in all the Nigerian Army activities for Year 2023 and contributed immensely to all ongoing operations towards ensuring peace and security in our dear country. especially in the Northeast, Northwest and North Central theatres, as well as missions outside the country.”
He, thereby, urged all the troops of 2 Division to continue to be hardworking, maintain high standard of discipline and remain loyal to the President and Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I want to also use this opportunity to appreciate the members of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), Nigerian Army Soldiers Wives Association (NASWA) and our entire families for their support to the Division’s activities and taking out time to come and celebrate at the WASA 2023.”
“Let me finally express my gratitude to the COAS for providing the resources for the Division to host this very significant event.. We are also grateful to our SGOH, the Executive Governor of Oyo State for all his support to 2 Division and Nigerian Army.’
Declaring the event open, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state appreciated the Nigerian Army’s commitment at ensuring peace and security in the State.
Governor Makinde who spoke through the Senior Adviser to the governor on security matter, Mr Fatai Owoseni said his administration would not relent in supporting the military to ensure that Oyo state was relatively calm and void of criminalities.
Highlights of the event included award presentations to some distinguished Officers and men, cultural dance competition and Tug of war among units and formations of the 2 division.
Sequel to the recent posting and appointment in the Nigerian Army, the newly appointed Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria, AWCN, Major General Bamidele Alabi has taken over command as the 5th Commandant in the annals of history of the premier Nigerian Army Institution from his predecessor, Major General Solomon Udounwa.
The colourful ceremony took place at the premises of AWCN, WU Bassey Barracks, Asokoro Abuja.
General Alabi is among the 5 pioneer Directing Staff of the College when it was established on 28 February 2017.
He is a member of 41 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy.
He is of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps.
The new Commandant has held various appointments in command, staff and instructional capacity.
These include, member of Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, AFCSC, Jaji, Commanding Officer, Nigerian Battalion 29, NIBATT 29, United Nations Mission in Liberia, UNMIL, and Commander 3 Brigade Kano, prior to his appointment as Director of Studies and Coordination at AWCN.
He is also a Member of Nigerian Institute of Management, NIM, and a Senior Executive Fellow of the Harvard Kennedy School.
Some of the key Military Courses he attended include Senior Staff Course in AFCSC, Advanced Command and Staff Course in the United Kingdom and Higher Defence Strategic Studies Course at National Defence College Nigeria.
In his valedictory speech, the outgoing Commandant, Major General Solomon E Udounwa, who is now the Chief of Army Special Services and Programmes congratulated the new Commandant whom he described as integral part of the College having served as Directing Staff as well as Director of Studies prior to his recent appointment as Commandant.
He wished him a fruitful and successful tenure urging the entire College community to extend same cooperation and support rendered him to his successor so that the College will continue to succeed.
In his remarks, the new Commandant General Bamidele A. Alabi, promised to build on the legacy of the immediate past Commandant.
He also thanked him for his purposeful leadership and mentoring which he said spans for decades.
Highpoints of the event include signing of handing and taking over notes, presentation of College flag to the incoming Commandant, presentation of souvenirs, address to soldiers and Civilian Staff and Quarter Guards formalities.
