By Nkechi Eze
The Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) on Wednesday, 20 August 2025, hosted a colourful send-off ceremony in honour of senior officers and soldiers recently posted out of the institution. The event, held at the College Lounge in Asokoro, Abuja, was graced by the Commandant, Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies, Directors, faculty members, and staff of the College.
Those honoured at the occasion were Brigadier General N.E. Okolaogu, Director of Higher Military Studies and Interagency Relations; Colonel M.S. Bappaiya, Director of Curriculum Development; Major A.A. Ogbu, College Quartermaster; and Captain O. Ogunrinde, Officer in Charge of Information and Communication Technology. Others included Corporal Agagwu Uche and Lance Corporal Iriyomi Odewole.
In his remarks, the Commandant of AWCN, Major General Umar Mohammed Alkali, lauded the officers and soldiers for their selfless service and invaluable contributions to the College’s mission of shaping future strategic leaders. He urged them to remain worthy ambassadors of the institution in their new postings, reminding them that AWCN’s reputation rests on its enduring values.
“Wherever you find yourselves, always exemplify what the College stands for, discipline, professionalism, and excellence,” the Commandant declared, describing AWCN as a centre of excellence committed to developing leaders for the Nigerian Army and beyond.
As part of their new assignments, Brigadier General Okolaogu has been appointed Commander, 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, while Colonel Bappaiya has been posted to 1 Division Nigerian Army as Acting Director, Education Services, among other appointments.
The ceremony featured goodwill messages and words of encouragement to the departing officers and soldiers, alongside the presentation of gifts as tokens of appreciation for their service. Speaking on behalf of the honourees, Brigadier General Okolaogu expressed profound gratitude to the Commandant, faculty, and staff of the College for their support, guidance, and cooperation, noting that their time at AWCN would remain a cherished memory.
The event concluded with a group photograph and light refreshments, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and fond reflection on shared service, dedication, and commitment to the ideals of the College.
