COMDT Decorates 4 NDA Officers With New Rank Of LT COL

COMDT DECORATES 4 NDA OFFICERS WITH NEW RANK OF LT COL

The Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy, Maj Gen JO Ochai, has decorated 4 officers of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), who were beneficiaries of the recent promotion for Nigerian Army officers in 2023.The investiture ceremony took place on Friday 3rd November 2023, at the NDA Officers Mess, Ex Minister’s Quarters, Kaduna.

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The 4 newly decorated officers who were all beneficiaries of the Maj – Lt Col promotion are Lt Col OA Abata, Lt Col F Abaja, Lt Col RR Zakka and Lt Col JS Wudah.

Addressing the officers shortly after the decoration , Maj Gen JO Ochai congratulated the them for a well-deserved promotion, adding that the road ahead is not an easy one.He therefore challenged them to work harder because the opportunities get narrower for the ranks that lay ahead of them. Gen Ochai noting that not everyone they got promoted together with will be promoted to Col and subsequently to General, at the same time. He stated that this is because the vacancies keep shrinking as they ascend the career ladder.The Commandant therefore admonished the newly decorated officers to work hard and put in their best in carrying out their duties, as well as ensure that they are known for something good. Furthermore, Maj Gen Ochai pointed out to the officers that, being Lieutenant Colonels now, there are courses ahead like Army War College, Defence College and others they must begin to prepare for.

On the other hand, Maj Gen Ochai revealed, the rank of Lieutenant Colonel comes with many opportunities and good enhancements that would enable the officers to enjoy a lot of privileges. He thus advised them to ensure they always take good care of themselves and not to abuse the rank but to embrace it with dignity and respect. The Commandant also charged the officers to always take good care of their family, provide a good education and good upbringing to their children, and to always take good care of their wives. He noted that wives are a blessing to them because they take care of the homefront and serve as husbands while their husbands are away on military duties.

Delivering the Vote of Thanks at the event, one of the newly promoted officers, Lt Col AO Abata, who spoke on behalf of all the decorated officers, expressed gratitude to God who made the promotion possible. He also expressed his appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, for finding them worthy of a promotion to the rank of Lt Col, and to the Commandant NDA, Maj Gen JO Ochai, for his inspiring leadership and mentorship.Lt Col Abata also thanked Principal Staff Officers of NDA for their guidance and their spouses, family and associates for their support, which he noted was vital to them doing their jobs creditably, earning them a promotion.

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The decoration ceremony was attended by Principal Staff Officers of the Academy, senior officers, civilian staff and members of the decorated officers’ families and guests