Major-General Anthony Omozoje has assumed duty as the new General Officer Commanding, 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, with a promise to maintain ‘the enviable standard of the Division’.
Omozoje took over from Major-General Okwudili Azinta, after an official handover ceremony and quarter guard salute at the headquarters of the Division in Ibadan on Tuesday.
The new GOC told commanders and senior officers of the Division that he would maintain a high level discipline and regimentation in line with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai’s orders.
Omozoje posited that his tenure would be in line with the vision of Buratai to re-position the Nigerian Army to a professionalized force.
He said that the outgoing GOC had briefed him on how he had kept crime rate in the Division’s Area of Responsibility very low.
“I will not fail to thank the outgoing GOC, Major-General Okwudili Azinta for all his efforts to ensure that crime rate is low and trouble-makers did not have a foothold in the Division’s Area of Responsibility, he said .
Omozoje told officers and men of the Division to be professional and responsive in the discharge of their constitutional roles, stressing that, “I expect nothing less, but more.”
He urged them to support him in consolidating the achievements recorded under the outgoing GOC, assuring that he would be decisive and professional in handling situations .
He stressed that their operations must be guided by rules of engagement.
“I urge you all to remain steadfast. We should be apolitical and be committed to our areas of responsibility. You must conduct yourselves well and be professional in the discharge of your duties,” the GOC added .
Earlier, the outgoing GOC, Major-General Okwudili Azinta expressed appreciation to all for their tremendous support during his 18months service as GOC, and urged them to redouble their support and cooperation for the new GOC .
He admonished the officers and men of the Division to extend the same co-operation and discipline to the new GOC .
He said he had striven to add value to the Division both in its discipline, regimental procedures and physical structures.
He said it was important to work as a team in order to ensure stability in the command’s area of operation .
Azinta charged the officers and men to remain apolitical and “support the civil authority in discharging their constitutional responsibilities . ”
“I must thank the COAS for finding me worthy to head this Division.
I must thank God for His grace, protection, wisdom and guidance till this very last day as an officer of the Nigerian Army,” he said .
Azinta, however, thanked the various commanders of formations, principal officers and senior officers in the Division for supporting him to excel .
Omozoje took over from Major – General Okwudili Azinta who served as GOC for 18months until his transfer as the Chief of Army Standard and Evaluation at the Army Headquarters Abuja.
Until his new appointment, Omozoje was from the department of Policy and Planning, Army Headquarters, Abuja.
Packaged by Ojo Peter
