BY ADEKOLA BOLUWAJI NIFEMI

The recently appointed Commander Infantry Corps Nigerian Army Maj Gen OO Oluyede has assumed command as the 56th Commander Infantry Corps Nigerian Army on Friday 14 July 2023.

The historic handing and taking over ceremony took place at the Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre, Jaji Kaduna.

Speaking during the event, the outgoing Commander who is the Chief of Defence Staff Maj Gen CG Musa expressed his appreciation to the Almighty God and Commander-in- Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria , President Bola Tinubu for finding him worthy to be appointed as the Chief of Defence Staff.

Maj Gen Musa further thanked the officers and soldiers of the command for their support during his brief period as the Commander Infantry Corps Nigerian Army, while soliciting the same level of support for his successor.

He assured the Corps of his continuous support and enhancement of its interest.

In his address, the Incoming Commander, Maj Gen OO Oluyede expressed his appreciation to the outgoing Commander for finding time to participate in the handing and taking over ceremony despite his busy schedules as the Chief of Defence Staff.

Maj Gen Oluyede also thanked the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj Gen TA Lagbaja for finding him worthy to command one of the oldest Corps in the Nigerian Army. He promised to work diligently to justify the confidence reposed in him by the COAS.

The Incoming Commander acknowledged the accomplishment of his predecessor, vowing to take the Corps to a greater height by making the welfare of the officers and soldiers of the Corps a priority.

Dignitaries that graced the occasion were the Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, AVM HI Alhaji, General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj Gen BA Alabi, Commandant Nigerian Army School of Infantry,Maj Gen OT Olatoye, Commandant Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, Brig Gen OG Onubogu.

Others were Commandant Warrant Officers’ Academy Brig Gen AG Mahmuda, Commander 1 Division Garrison, Brig Gen C Ogbuabo, Ag Chief of Staff Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre, Col AS Bugaje, Principal General Staff Officers to the CDS and other Staff Officers from Defence Headquarters as well as the Staff Officers of the Corps.

Highlights of the event were signing of handing and taking over note, decoration of the Incoming Commander with the Corps lanyard and insignia, handing of command flag to the Incoming Commander, taking of the traditional arrowhead group photograph, quarter guard drills and pleasantry handshake of the outgoing Commander with officers and senior officers at the occasion.