Headquarters 13 Brigade Decorates Newly Promoted Officers

Headquarters 13 Brigade Decorates Newly Promoted Officers

Headquarters 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Calabar, on Thursday 11 September 2025, decorated three of its officers who were recently elevated to the rank of Major. The colourful ceremony, held at the Brigade Headquarters, was witnessed by officers, soldiers, families, and well-wishers.

The officers decorated were Major AA Shekoni, Major IO Obarein, and Major OS Sokoya.

In his address, the Commander 13 Brigade, Brigadier General MO Ibrahim, warmly congratulated the officers, describing their promotion as a well-deserved reward for years of hard work, discipline, and unwavering loyalty to the Nigerian Army. He noted that the rank of Major represents a pivotal transition from the junior to the senior officer cadre, demanding heightened leadership, sound judgment, and strategic thinking.

General Ibrahim emphasized that as senior officers they are now responsible not only for leading troops in the field but also for shaping operations, mentoring subordinates, and safeguarding the image of the Nigerian Army. He charged them to be deliberate and circumspect in their decision-making, stressing that every action at their level carries wider operational and national implications.

“The nation is looking to you to help confront complex security challenges,” he said. “Your leadership must inspire confidence, your decisions must be firm yet thoughtful, and your conduct must remain beyond reproach. This promotion is not merely an elevation in rank; it is a call to serve Nigeria with greater courage, integrity, and professionalism.”

He further urged the newly promoted officers to remain aligned with the philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, which seeks to consolidate the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a well-motivated and combat-ready force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.

Highlights of the event included the official decoration of the officers by the Brigade Commander, assisted by their spouses and family members, amid cheers and applause. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks on behalf of the decorated officers, followed by group photographs and light refreshments.

Also in attendance were the Commandant of the Amphibious Training School, Calabar, Brigadier General E Azenda, and Major General UO Obono (Retired), Senior Security Adviser to the Cross River State Government, who joined other distinguished guests in celebrating the newly promoted officers.