4 Brigade Commander Decorates Newly Promoted Officers, Urges Greater Commitment

The Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun, has decorated five newly promoted senior officers elevated from the rank of Major to Lieutenant Colonel, charging them to justify their promotion through renewed dedication, loyalty, and service to the nation.

The decoration ceremony, held on Tuesday at the Tiger 4 Officers’ Mess in Benin City, Edo State, saw the officers formally adorned with their new ranks.

Addressing the officers, Balogun described their promotion as a call to higher responsibility rather than a reward, noting that greater expectations now rest on them by the Army Council and the Chief of Army Staff.

He urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by mentoring junior officers and soldiers, contributing to operational success, and upholding the integrity of the Nigerian Army.

The Brigade Commander also charged the officers to lead by example, uphold the core values of the Army, and remain resolute in the face of evolving security challenges, stressing that their conduct would shape both their subordinates and the image of the Army.

Balogun further paid tribute to the families of the officers, particularly their spouses, for their sacrifices, patience, and unwavering support, describing them as critical to the success of the officers’ careers.

In separate remarks, the Commander, 4 Brigade Garrison, Lt.-Col. Awwal Audu, and the Acting Deputy Director, Benin Group of Church Protestant/4 Brigade Chaplain, Lt.-Col. Samuel Dallys, urged the officers to view their elevation as the beginning of greater responsibilities.

They emphasised the need for effective leadership, welfare, and mentorship of subordinates, noting that the strength of the Army lies in the morale and quality of its personnel.

Responding on behalf of the newly promoted officers, Lt.-Col. David Omoregie expressed gratitude to God and appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for the promotion.

He assured that the officers would remain committed to tackling security challenges and safeguarding the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

Those decorated include Lt.-Col. WD Omoregie, Lt.-Col. (Rev. Fr.) M. Nwafor, Lt.-Col. UM Tomsu, Lt.-Col. MT Nwali, and Lt.-Col. SK Alkali.

Highlights of the event included the decoration of the officers, group photographs, and a luncheon.