Chiemelie Ezeobi
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Abdulrahman Babalola, has charged troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Imeko in Ogun State to remain vigilant, disciplined and professional in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
Babalola gave the charge during an operational visit to the base, where he interacted with troops and assessed their welfare and operational readiness.
He explained that the visit formed part of his familiarisation tour of formations and units within the 81 Division Area of Responsibility (AOR), aimed at gaining firsthand knowledge of operational challenges and the welfare needs of personnel.
The GOC commended the troops for their discipline, commitment and dedication to duty, noting that reports from the Officer Commanding the FOB, Major SY Tula, as well as feedback from stakeholders in the Imeko community, attested to their professionalism and exemplary conduct.
He urged the troops to sustain the high standards they had demonstrated while carrying out their duties.
Babalola also reminded the personnel of the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy and the Five Pillars of Professional Excellence, Sound Administration, Operational Effectiveness, Strategic Collaboration and Exemplary Leadership, urging them to align their actions with the guiding principles.
He warned against harassment, extortion and other forms of misconduct, stressing that indiscipline and actions capable of tarnishing the image of the Nigerian Army would not be tolerated.
As part of the visit, the GOC paid a courtesy call on the Onimeko of Imeko, His Royal Majesty Oba Benjamin Alabi Oyeditan-Olanite, where he sought the continued support and cooperation of the traditional institution and residents for the successful conduct of military operations in the area.
He also requested feedback on the conduct of troops to ensure they continued to meet the expectations of the host community.
Earlier, Babalola visited the Headquarters of the 35 Artillery Brigade in Abeokuta, where he was received by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General FO Onu, who recently assumed command.
During the visit, he inspected key operational and administrative facilities, including the 35 Artillery Brigade War Memorial.
The GOC was accompanied by the Commander, 35 Artillery Brigade, the Commander, 45 Engineer Brigade, as well as other commanders and staff officers from Headquarters 81 Division.
Highlights of the visit included interactions with troops at various deployment locations, inspection of facilities, presentation of souvenirs, signing of the visitors’ book and group photographs.
