Major General Nosakhare Bows Out, Celebrates Corps Of Signals’ Transformational Strides

Major General Nosakhare Bows Out, Celebrates Corps Of Signals’ Transformational Strides

The Nigerian Army Corps of Signals on Thursday 6 November 2025 held a colourful Pulling Out Parade in honour of its immediate past Commander, Major General Nosakhare Ugbo, the 39th Commander Corps of Signals (CCS), who bowed out of active service after a distinguished career. The ceremony, held at Nigerian Army School of Signals (NASS) Parade Ground, Apapa Lagos. The event featured tributes, displays, and reflections on the remarkable transformation of the Corps under his leadership. It would be recalled that Major General Ugbo recently handed over command of Corps of Signals to his successor Major General Mohammed Abdullahi.

In his farewell remarks, Major General Ugbo expressed profound pride in the achievements recorded during his tenure, recalling how he had upon assumption of office on 5 February 2025 laid out a clear direction, aim and objectives for the Corps. He said his expectations were unequivocal-signallers were to strengthen both their capabilities and capacity to deliver on their mandate as communicators and professional soldiers. He charged them to embrace and adapt to the ever-evolving technological landscape and to utilise available resources efficiently in support of the Nigerian Army’s (NA) mission in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s (COAS) Command Philosophy.

“Nine months down the line,” he said, “I am delighted and proud of the results we have achieved together. Available resources have been effectively utilised to remarkably upscale the communications infrastructure of the NA. I stand bold to state that the communications support provided to all theatres of operations has significantly improved.”

The immediate past CCS attributed the successes to collective imagination and innovation within the Corps. “We have continued to be imaginative, innovative and creative in formulating workable ideas that have enabled us to achieve unimaginable feats,” he noted. “Our network engineers and technicians have carried out installations in the most difficult combat circumstances and terrains. Our programmers and analysts developed codes and protocols that enhanced the reliability of our systems, while our maintenance geeks revived several unserviceable communication equipment. The list of what we achieved together is impressive and encouraging. It shows that the signallers have the can-do spirit.”

General Ugbo also highlighted deliberate efforts to elevate technical, tactical and innovative training at the NASS. He disclosed that most training manuals had been reviewed to reflect current advances in telecommunications, Information Communication Technology (ICT) and modern military operations, while artificial intelligence and data science tools were increasingly being integrated into training and operational processes.

He stressed that significant improvements were recorded in training facilities and physical infrastructure at the NASS, Signals Barracks Mile 2 and other formations, while offices and residential accommodations for personnel and their families were also given considerable attention.

Reiterating a central feature of the former COAS’s Command Philosophy and now Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Olufemi Oluyede was the “soldier-first” concept. General Ugbo revealed that the Corps under his watch placed high premium on the welfare and well-being of troops. He noted that personnel in operational theatres were regularly rotated to enhance their mental and physical well-being, sporting activities were promoted, and recreational facilities were upgraded. The Soldiers’ Club and Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess were renovated and remodelled, while the Nigerian Army Signals Officers’ Mess is currently being rehabilitated. He further disclosed the establishment of the Nigerian Army Signals Cooperative Society and a development and welfare fund to boost personnel support systems.

While acknowledging the support that enabled his successes, Major General Ugbo expressed deep appreciation to the former COAS and now CDS for his guidance, confidence and consistent approval of initiatives that transformed the Corps.

Reflecting on his career, he described his journey from reporting to the Nigerian Defence Academy as a young cadet to rising to the rank of Major General as “eventful, impactful, memorable and glorious”. He said the experience of leading men, managing resources, participating in complex operations and undergoing various trainings at home and abroad had shaped him into a soldier grounded in resilience, sacrifice, teamwork and dedication.

He offered gratitude to the Nigerian State, the President and Commander-in-Chief, the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, senior colleagues, coursemates and all soldiers he had served with. He paid heartfelt tribute to fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. “They gave their lives so we can live and hope for a better tomorrow. May their sacrifices never be in vain,” he said.

General Ugbo also gave special thanks to his parents, siblings, his “beautiful and beloved wife” and his children, acknowledging the profound sacrifices they made throughout his service years. He further appreciated their prayers and unwavering support.

As he bows out of active duty, he urged serving personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and charged signallers to remain creative, innovative and technologically driven. “Support and cooperate with the CCS as he takes the Corps to the next level of greatness,” he said. “Remember, in the Corps of Signals, we do not believe in impossibility when it comes to developing solutions in telecommunications and ICT.”

He reaffirmed his loyalty to Nigeria, “I shall remain faithful and loyal to our great country till the end of my life. And for those who do not know,” he added with emphasis, “sooner or later they will realise that if you ain’t got communications, you ain’t got nothing.”

The historic event was well attended by senior military officers both serving and retired, officers, soldiers, members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association, family members, friends and well-wishers.