The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, has paid a series of courtesy visits to military commands, formations and institutions in Apapa, Lagos, as part of his ongoing familiarisation tour within the Division’s Area of Responsibility.
A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations,81 Division Nigerian Army said the visit commenced with a courtesy call on the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral AA Mustapha, who warmly received the GOC and his entourage.
Speaking during the visit, Major General Babalola stated that following his assumption of office as the 26th GOC of 81 Division, he considered it important to visit sister services and military establishments within the area to familiarise himself with their activities and further strengthen existing cooperation.
He noted that both Commands share a common responsibility of ensuring the security and safety of residents of Lagos and Ogun States, stressing the need for sustained collaboration and synergy in achieving national security objectives.
The GOC also described Rear Admiral Mustapha as a mentor and a senior officer he has interacted with on several occasions.
He appreciated the warm reception accorded him and his entourage and expressed optimism that both Commands would continue to work closely in the interest of national security.
In his response, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral AA Mustapha, thanked the GOC for the visit and emphasised the importance of inter-service collaboration.
He noted that both Commands share a common objective of protecting national interest and combating threats to national security.
The FOC also commended the Nigerian Army for its continued commitment to the welfare of its personnel and their families.
During the tour, the GOC also paid a courtesy visit to the Commander Corps of Signals, Major General MT Abdullahi, at the Headquarters Nigerian Army Signals.
Major General Babalola stated that he was at the Corps Headquarters to pledge his loyalty and seek the continued cooperation and support of the Corps in areas that would assist the Division in effectively carrying out its assigned responsibilities.
Responding, the Commander Corps of Signals, Major General MT Abdullahi, welcomed the GOC and described him as a seasoned and well-tested senior officer of the Armoured Corps.
He expressed confidence in the GOC’s leadership, noting that with him at the helm of affairs, Lagos and Ogun States remain in safe hands.
He assured the GOC of the Corps’ readiness to provide the necessary support to ensure the success of his command.
The GOC also visited the Nigerian Army Intelligence School (NAIS), where he was received by the Acting Commandant, Brigadier General D Umaru, who appreciated the GOC for finding time to visit the institution despite his demanding schedule.
In his remarks, Major General Babalola commended the school for its critical role in training intelligence personnel for the Nigerian Army and emphasised the importance of intelligence in contemporary military operations.
In continuation of the familiarisation tour, Major General Babalola paid a courtesy visit to the Commandant Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration (NASFA), Brigadier General JD Bulus.
During the visit, the GOC commended the Commandant for the notable strides taken towards advancing the institution and enhancing its contributions to the Nigerian Army.
He noted that the school has continued to produce personnel who have significantly contributed to the operational and administrative effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.
In his remarks, Brigadier General Bulus expressed appreciation to the GOC for visiting the institution despite his tight schedule and engagements.
The GOC concluded his engagements in Apapa with a visit to the Nigerian Army School of Signals (NASS), where he was warmly received by the Commandant, Major General ES Mustapha.
During the visit, Major General Babalola commended the school for its critical role in training communication and information systems specialists for the Nigerian Army, noting that effective communication remains a vital component of successful military operations.
In his response, the Commandant, Major General ES Mustapha, thanked the GOC for the visit and assured him of the school’s continued commitment to training competent signal officers and soldiers capable of meeting the operational communication requirements of the Nigerian Army.
Highpoints of the visits include signing of the Visitors’ Books, exchange of souvenirs and group photographs.
