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…as former commander speaks on discipline
By: Okosun Dennis
In line with Nigerian Army postings and appointments, the 9 Brigade, Ikeja Cantonment has had a fair share as a new Commander has assumed duty at the brigade.
He is Brigadier General Nsikan John Edet.
In a swift but colourful handing and taking over ceremony at the Conference Hall, Headquarters, 9 Brigade on Friday, 5th May, 2023, the outgone Commander, Brig Gen Isangubong Akpaumontia decorated the new Commander with the brigade insignia, badges and other accoutrements and handed over the flag as a symbol of authority.
Brig Gen Akpaumontia, it was learnt was posted to 12 Brigade, Lokoja in Kogi state as the Commander, where his successor held sway before being posted to the new Command in Lagos.
Gen. Akpaumontia in his farewell remarks to the soldiers at the parade ground admonished them to eschew trouble capable of affecting their careers in the force.
“Avoid all unnecessary troubles. You should know where there are some problems in town and avoid them as much as you can. Do what you are supposed to do in time and you won’t get into trouble. If you do the right thing, you won’t have need to say, “I beg, I am sorry”.
On facilities in the barracks, he assured them that electricity supply would so improve in the barracks but advised them and their family members to always switch off electric bulbs when they are not in use during the day and desist from using electric burners.
During the address, he introduced the new Commander to the soldiers “A new commander is here. He is Brig. Gen. Nsikan John Edet. Soon, he will have a time with you.
“Remember that discipline is our bedrock. Indiscipline is a no-no in the military. Always abide by the rules of our beloved military. We will meet again even if I am not in this infantry,” Gen Akpaumontia reiterated.
In his maiden address to the troops of the Brigade, Brig Gen Edet noted that his mission is to work assiduously with the troops to ensure that the mission of the Army is achieved.
He thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya for finding him deserving to become the Commander of the 9 Brigade, a place where he started his military career as a Second Lieutenant in 1994 when it was then 19 Battalion adding that coming back as the Commander brings some nostalgic feelings.
According to him, “There is no substitute to hardwork and prayers. I want to implore you all to remain good officers and don’t hesitate when called upon to contribute to the wellbeing of the country. Be professional in your conduct and don’t do anything that will bring disrepute to the name of the Nigerian Army.
Our correspondent learnt that during the Brig Gen Akpaumontia, he brought a lot of developmental initiatives to the brigade including the facelifting of modest infrastructures and the construction Hippo Fountain, the mascot of the brigade.
Others included blocks of classrooms added to make learning enjoyable for the children in the school as well as solar powered street light within the Brigade premises.
Highpoint was a guided tour by both old and incoming Commander of the office complex.
Sequel to the handing over, a dinner in honour of the outgoing Commander, Brig Gen Akpaumontia was held at the Hippo Stand, Ikeja Cantonment on Thursday night.
In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos state Command, CP Owohunwa commended Gen Akpaumontia for his resilience and doggedness in tackling the nuisance value of area boys, street urchins and other criminals in Lagos.
It would be recalled that prior to the general elections and after, there were sundry raids led by Akpaumontia leading to hundreds of suspects arrested at various locations in Lagos state.
Also in attendance were Oba of Onigbongbo, Hon Olakunle. During the reception dinner, Brig Gen Isangubong Akpaumontia was honoured with an Award of Excellence from the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) presented by the President of the Association, Mr Samson Oki and his retinue of members.
