By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOC) has recognised 26 officers who distinguished themselves in various promotion examinations, with awards of academic excellence with at its 2024 Merit Award.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations for TRADOC, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, on Sunday in Abuja.
Sani said that a deserving Nigerian army division that performed most commendably among various divisions’ training schools was also recognised.
He said the awards were in line with TRADOC’s motto which is “Towards Greater Heights”, adding that rewards for merit occupied a special place in the life of every service personnel.
According to him, it is in the light of this that TRADOC in conjunction with Army Headquarters (AHQ), put together the fourth edition of TRADOC Merit Award for the year 2024.
“The award also sought to reward and recognise hard work, dedication and commitment of Nigerian army officers while promoting healthy competition among Corps or institutions toward enhancing professionalism.
“The 2024 Merit Awards was a testament to the Nigerian army’s commitment to excellence and professionalism.
“The awards include the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award for Excellence for Lieutenant-to-Captain Practical Promotion Examination and Awards for the Best Candidates Per Subject in Captain-to-Major Practical Promotion Examination.
“It also includes Captain to Major written promotion examination as well as award for the Senior Staff Course Qualifying Examination among others,” he said.
In his remarks at the event, the Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, who was represented by the Director-General, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC), Maj.-Gen. Obinna Ajunwa, acknowledged the significance of the merit award.
Oluyede expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to celebrate the hard work and dedication of officers who excelled in the army’s promotion examinations conducted by the TRADOC during the year.
He said the initiative would encourage officers to prepare adequately for future examinations and stimulate junior officers to strive for excellence thereby, enhancing professionalism in the army.
The acting COAS also emphasised the significance of recognising commitment and professionalism of officers, saying that the promotion examinations were crucial determinants of officers’ career progression.
He congratulated the awardees and highlighted the role of the TRADOC in fostering a culture of excellence and healthy competition among officers.
He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his continuous support to the Nigerian army as well commended the Commander of TRADOC, Maj.-Gen. Kevin Aligbe, for his effort in moving TRADOC in line with international best practices.
In his welcome address, the Commander TRADOC, Aligbe reflected on the significance of the merit awards, which was first introduced in 2021.
He said the awards had become essential in promoting administrative efficiency and operational effectiveness within the army.
He added that the evaluations and assessments carried out by TRADOC had led to improvements in the quality of training across various service’s schools, formations and units.
“This year’s ceremony introduced a new category, the Best Division Award, which evaluates divisions based on the performance of their training schools.
“The change aims to recognise the unique challenges faced by different divisions, ensuring a fair assessment of their training activities towards meeting their respective operational tasks.
“Also, as part of army’s commitment to community welfare and broader civil-military cooperation, approximately 33,000 educational materials were distributed to over 7,000 children in four schools within the Minna Military Cantonment.
“This is part of this year’s TRADOC Educational Support Programme,” he said.
The commander appreciated the COAS for his unrelenting support to TRADOC which had ensured the completion of the newly inaugurated Lt.-Gen. TA Lagbaja Multipurpose Hall. (NAN)