By Chigozie Daniel
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, has charged six newly promoted senior officers to redouble their efforts and justify the confidence reposed in them by the Nigerian Army.
According to the press statement by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director 81 Division Nigerian Army. The charge was delivered on Wednesday, 9 April 2026, during a decoration ceremony held at the 81 Division Officers’ Mess, Victoria Island, Lagos, where six Majors were formally decorated with their new ranks of Lieutenant Colonel.
The newly promoted officers are: the Acting Chief of Staff, 81 Division Military Intelligence Brigade, are Lieutenant Colonel A Sanusi, Catering Officer, Headquarters 81 Division, Lieutenant Colonel AI Lawal, Acting Deputy Director, 81 Division Physical Training, Lieutenant Colonel LA Ishaku, Chief Librarian, 81 Division Education Services Lieutenant Colonel BJ Gimba, Commandant, Command Secondary School Abeokuta Lieutenant Colonel MB Sifawa and the Acting Commander 81 Division Band, Lieutenant Colonel GO Uwagboe.
In his remarks, Major General Babalola congratulated the officers and commended them for their discipline, dedication and professionalism, which earned them the well-deserved elevation. He noted that promotion in the Nigerian Army is not merely a reward for past performance but a call to greater responsibility and higher expectations.
“I have carefully observed all of the newly promoted senior officers, and from the way they are progressing, the sky is their limit,” the GOC stated.
He reminded them that to whom much is given, much is expected, urging them to remain steadfast, loyal and committed to the ideals and core values of the Nigerian Army.
He further advised the promoted officers to continually acknowledge the place of prayer in their lives and careers, encouraging them to appreciate God for His blessings and seek divine guidance as they assume greater responsibilities.
Speaking on behalf of the newly promoted senior officers, the Acting Chief of Staff, 81 Division Military Intelligence Brigade, Lieutenant Colonel A Sanusi, expressed profound gratitude to God Almighty and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, for finding them worthy of elevation.
He also thanked the GOC for his strategic guidance, mentorship and leadership, assuring him of their renewed dedication and unwavering commitment to duty.
Lieutenant Colonel Sanusi further appreciated their families, friends, colleagues and subordinates for their steadfast support, prayers and encouragement throughout their careers.
The investiture ceremony was attended by the representative of the President, Mess Committee and Commander 81 Division Garrison, Commander Division Equipment Support, Commander Nigerian Army Band Corps, Formation Commanders, Commandant Nigerian Army School of Music, Staff Officers, senior officers, officers and soldiers as well as family members, friends and well wishers of the celebrants.