The Nigerian Army has effected a change of command at the Headquarters of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Owena Cantonment, Akure, Ondo State, with Brigadier General Jibril Garba assuming office as the 15th Commander of the Brigade.
The change of baton, held in line with military tradition, marked the end of the tenure of Brigadier General Justin Ifeanyi, who formally handed over the leadership of the Brigade to his successor during a ceremony attended by officers and soldiers.
In his farewell address, the outgoing Commander expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the Brigade.
According to him, “I am deeply grateful to the Chief of Army Staff for the confidence reposed in me to command this Brigade. The opportunity afforded me the privilege to contribute meaningfully to national security and development.”
General Ifeanyi also commended officers and soldiers of the Brigade for their unwavering loyalty, resilience, discipline and commitment throughout his tour of duty, noting that their collective efforts accounted for the Brigade’s operational and administrative successes.
He urged the personnel to extend the same level of cooperation and support to the new Commander to enable him to succeed in his assignment.
“I sincerely appreciate your loyalty, resilience, discipline, dedication and support. Our collective efforts have resulted in notable operational and administrative achievements. I urge you all to accord the incoming Commander the same support and cooperation you gave me,” he said.
The outgoing Commander stressed that discipline remains the cornerstone of the Brigade’s effectiveness, urging officers and soldiers to sustain and improve existing standards of professionalism.
He also warned personnel against the misuse of social media, reminding them to strictly adhere to the Nigerian Army’s Social Media Policy at all times.
“Discipline remains the bedrock of this Brigade. You must continue to uphold and improve on the existing standard. I also urge you to avoid the abuse of social media and always be guided by the Nigerian Army Social Media Policy. Be good ambassadors of the Brigade and the Nigerian Army wherever you find yourselves,” he added.
The ceremony featured the signing of handing and taking-over documents, the transfer of the command flag, the lowering and hoisting of the command flag at the Quarter Guard, a group photograph and a farewell address to troops.
Fidelis David
