The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, has hosted a send-forth reception in honour of the outgoing Commander of the 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Brigadier General H. M. Bello, at his country home in Ohafia.
The event was organized to appreciate the service of Brigadier General Bello, who is concluding his tenure as Brigade Commander of the 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ohafia.
Speaking at the ceremony, Engr. Emetu commended the outgoing commander for his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to peace and security in Ohafia and Abia State at large.
According to the Deputy Governor, the brigade under the leadership of the outgoing commander played a significant role in fostering stability and supporting civil authorities, particularly in Ohafia and its environs. He described Brigadier General Bello as a disciplined officer whose contributions would be long remembered.
He expressed optimism that Brigadier General Bello’s next assignment would usher him into greater heights, higher ranks, and increased responsibilities.
“We pray that as you leave here to join other military formations, it will be a step to greater heights and more responsibilities,” Emetu said, while assuring him of the continued support of the people of Ohafia, Abia State, and the entire South-East.
In their goodwill messages, the Member representing Ohafia South State Constituency, Hon. Mba Nwoke, and the Mayor of Ohafia LGA, Chief Eleanya Ojuu Kalu (Olu), lauded Brigadier General Bello for his cooperation with civil authorities and his people-centered approach to security, which they said strengthened trust between the Nigerian Army and the residents of Ohafia.
The Director-General (DG), Greater Ohafia Development Agency, Hon. Obinna Agwu Odum; the Udumeze of Ohafia, HRM Ezie Awa Orji Udonsi; and the Ohafia Traditional Rulers Council, led by HRH Eze U. K. Ukoha, in their separate goodwill messages, praised the outgoing commander for fostering a cordial relationship between the military and the host communities, noting that his leadership contributed significantly to the relative peace enjoyed in the area.
In his response, Brigadier General H. M. Bello expressed deep gratitude to the Abia State Government, the Deputy Governor, traditional rulers, and the people of Ohafia for their hospitality and cooperation throughout his stay.
“I am sincerely grateful for the warm reception, support, and friendship I enjoyed from the government and the people of Ohafia during my tenure. This community has become a home to me,” Bello said.
He noted that the cooperation between the military and host communities greatly contributed to the relative peace and stability experienced in the area, adding that he would always remain connected to Ohafia and Abia State wherever his future assignments may take him.
“I assure you that Ohafia will always remain in my heart, and I will continue to identify with the progress and development of this great community,” he added.
Also speaking, the incoming Brigade Commander, Brigadier General A.M. Dikko, expressed appreciation to the Deputy Governor and the people of Ohafia for the warm reception extended to his colleague. He pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessor and to work closely with the state government and host communities to sustain peace and security.
He further called for the continued support and cooperation of all stakeholders, emphasizing that effective security is a collective responsibility, adding that he would build on the achievements recorded by his predecessor and even do more.
The event was attended by government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, security personnel, and other dignitaries who gathered to celebrate the service of the outgoing commander .
