The Nigerian Army has honoured 26 officers with excellence at the fourth annual Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) merit award held in November 1 for passing their promotional examination.
The event aims to celebrate and recognise academic excellence and outstanding performance among its officers.
In a notice shared on Sunday, the Nigerian Army said the event was held at the newly inaugurated Lieutenant General TA Lagbaja Multipurpose Hall at the Minna Military Cantonment.
Also, the Nigerian Army Division was awarded for showcasing exceptional performance in its division training schools.
The Acting Chief of Army Staff (Ag COAS), Major General Olufemi Oluyede was represented by Major General Obinna Ajunwa, Director-General of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC), who noted the significance of the Merit Award.
Ajunwa commended the outstanding officers, stating that the initiative aims to enhance professionalism across the Nigerian Army.
Expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Major Ajunwa thanked him for his continued support and commended Major General Kevin Aligbe, Commander of TRADOC NA, for the programme’s success.
During the welcome speech, Major General Aligbe reflected on the significance of the initiative introduced in 2021, which focuses on promoting administrative efficiency and operational effectiveness in the Nigerian Army.
In the notices signed by Sani Uba, Lieutenant Colonel and Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Major General Aligbe said, “TRADOC NA’s rigorous evaluations and assessments have led to significant improvements in training quality across Nigerian Army schools, formations, and units. The ceremony also served as an opportunity to recognise distinguished individuals who have contributed to the development of the command.”
He hailed the COAS for the successful completion of the multi-purpose hall used during the programme including the provision of material and financial contributions to TRADOC NA.
Uba added, “The Nigerian Army’s commitment to community welfare and civil-military cooperation was also underscored through the TRADOC NA Educational Support Programme. As part of this initiative, over 33,000 educational materials, including exercise books and writing supplies, were distributed to more than 7,000 children across four schools within the Minna Military Cantonment.”
Awards acknowledged are the COAS Commendation Award for Excellence, awards for the Best Candidates per Subject in the Captain to Major Practical Promotion Examination, and recognition in the Senior Staff Course Qualifying Examination.
Key attendees include principal staff officers from the Defence and Service Headquarters, heads of defence, services, and agencies, and commanders.
By Helen Okechukwu
