Odita Sunday 
GOC Urges Newly Promoted Officers To Justify Confidence As Six Majors Become Lieutenant Colonels
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, has charged six newly promoted officers to redouble their efforts and justify the confidence reposed in them by the Nigerian Army.
The charge was delivered on Wednesday, April 9, 2026, during a decoration ceremony held at the 81 Division Officers’ Mess, Victoria Island, Lagos, where the officers were formally elevated from the rank of Major to Lieutenant Colonel.
The newly decorated officers include Lieutenant Colonel A. Sanusi, Acting Chief of Staff, 81 Division Military Intelligence Brigade; Lieutenant Colonel A.I. Lawal, Catering Officer, Headquarters 81 Division; Lieutenant Colonel L.A. Ishaku, Acting Deputy Director, 81 Division Physical Training; Lieutenant Colonel B.J. Gimba, Chief Librarian, 81 Division Education Services; Lieutenant Colonel M.B. Sifawa, Commandant, Command Secondary School, Abeokuta; and Lieutenant Colonel G.O. Uwagboe, Acting Commander, 81 Division Band.
In his remarks, Major General Babalola congratulated the officers, commending their discipline, dedication, and professionalism, which he said earned them the well-deserved promotions. He noted that advancement in the Nigerian Army goes beyond recognition of past achievements, describing it as a call to higher responsibility and greater expectations.
“I have carefully observed all of the newly promoted senior officers, and from the way they are progressing, the sky is their limit,” he said.
The GOC urged the officers to remain steadfast, loyal, and committed to the core values of the Nigerian Army, stressing that greater responsibilities come with higher expectations.
He also encouraged them to remain spiritually grounded and to continually seek divine guidance in the discharge of their duties.
Speaking on behalf of the newly promoted officers, Lieutenant Colonel A. Sanusi expressed gratitude to God and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for approving their promotion.
He also appreciated the GOC for his leadership and mentorship, assuring that they would remain dedicated and committed to their responsibilities.
Sanusi further acknowledged the support of their families, friends, colleagues, and subordinates, describing their encouragement as instrumental to their career progression.
The ceremony was attended by senior military officers, including representatives of the President, formation commanders, staff officers, and personnel of the division, as well as family members, friends, and well-wishers of the newly promoted officers.
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