The Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, decorated five newly promoted senior officers elevated from the rank of Major to Lieutenant Colonel, charging them to justify their elevation through renewed dedication, loyalty, and service to the nation.
The decoration ceremony, held at the Tiger 4 Officers’ Mess, Benin City, Edo State, witnessed the formal adornment of the officers with their new ranks amid commendations and words of encouragement from senior military officers.
Addressing the newly promoted officers, Brigadier General Balogun reminded them that promotion is not merely a reward but an indication of greater responsibilities expected of them by the Army Council and the Chief of Army Staff.
He urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by mentoring junior officers and soldiers under their command, while also contributing meaningfully to the operational success and integrity of the Nigerian Army. He further charged them to lead by example, uphold the core values of the Nigerian Army, and remain steadfast in the face of evolving security challenges.
The Brigade Commander stressed that their actions, decisions, and conduct would influence their subordinates and shape the overall effectiveness and image of the Army.
Brigadier General Balogun also paid glowing tribute to the families of the newly decorated officers, particularly their spouses, whom he described as steadfast pillars behind the successes being celebrated.
He acknowledged that the journey to promotion is never walked alone, noting that the sacrifices, patience, and unwavering support of the home front had been instrumental in enabling the officers to discharge their duties effectively.
He urged the families to continue to stand firmly beside their husbands, offering
Also delivering words of advice, the Commander, 4 Brigade Garrison, Lieutenant Colonel Awwal Audu, and the Acting Deputy Director, Benin Group of Church Protestant/4 Brigade Chaplain, Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Dallys, urged the officers to view their elevation not as a destination but as the beginning of greater responsibility and higher expectations.
They reminded the officers that the rank of Lieutenant Colonel places them at a critical level of command and staff responsibility, where decisions carry significant operational and strategic consequences.
They further urged them to invest in the welfare, training, and mentorship of their subordinates, stressing that the strength of the Army lies in the quality and morale of its personnel.
They encouraged the officers to be decisive yet fair, firm yet compassionate, and always mindful of the trust reposed in them by the nation.
In his vote of thanks, Lieutenant Colonel David Omoregie, speaking on behalf of the newly decorated officers, thanked God Almighty for His grace and protection, which enabled them to attain the enviable rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Nigerian Army.
He also expressed their gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, for finding them worthy of the elevation. He further appreciated the Brigade Commander for presiding over the ceremony and for the confidence reposed in them.
Lieutenant Colonel Omoregie pledged that the newly promoted officers would remain steadfast in addressing security challenges and ensuring the safety and territorial integrity of Nigeria.
The newly decorated officers are Lieutenant Colonel WD Omoregie, Lieutenant Colonel (Rev Fr) M Nwafor, Lieutenant Colonel UM Tomsu, Lieutenant Colonel MT Nwali, and Lieutenant Colonel SK Alkali.
Highlights of the ceremony included the decoration of the senior officers with their new ranks, group photographs and a luncheon.
