Hyacinth Chinweuba
The newly appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army Major General Umaru Musa has assumed command as the 31st GOC of the Division.
He assured citizens Lagos and Ogun States which are his areas of jurisdiction that he is fully prepared to improve the security in the 2 States.
Before his appointment as the new GOC he was the Director of Manpower Planning at the Army Headquarters Department of Administration Army
General Musa Speaking during the handing and taking ceremony said he came fully prepared to ensure that the peace being enjoyed by the people residing in Lagos and Ogun States is sustained.
In the GOC’s word “I will improve on security in Lagos and ensure everywhere is calm. The problem of cultism and kidnapping that have been around in some areas would be addressed”.
He therefore charged his commanders and officers to remain steadfast, loyal to constituted authority and discharge their duty professionally in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s strategic directives.
Earlier the outgone GOC, Major General Lawrence Fejokwu decorated the new GOC with the Division’s insignia and accoutrements as well as handed over the flag of authority.
In his remarks, he said today was a landmark in the history of his life and career having commanded the Division for 11 months.
According to him “challenging moments would always come in form of insecurity and the best we did was to try to nib it in the bud by being proactive to ensure that it doesn’t escalate.
He further assured the people of Lagos and Ogun States that his successor, would handle whatever security challenges might arise squarely as a seasoned infantry General whom he has no doubt about his capabilities.
To my successor, “I know you will succeed especially with your depth of experience.”
Consequently, He urged officers and soldiers to give the new GOC their best just as they gave to him too. He thereafter thanked the Chief of Army Staff for the opportunity to serve as the GOC and for the press, he thanked them for their massive support during his command of the Division.
Major General Fejokwu is proceeding to Defence Headquarters as the Director Veteran Affairs Directorate. The highpoint of the brief ceremony was the Quarter Guard formalities and hoisting of a new flag commencing the official assumption of office of the new GOC of 81 Division Nigerian Army.