CROSS RIVER, CALABAR – Headquarters of the 13 Brigade Nigerian Army on Thursday, September 11, 2025, decorated three officers promoted to the rank of Major during a colourful ceremony attended by officers, soldiers, families, and well-wishers.
The newly promoted officers are Major A.A. Shekoni, Major I.O. Obarein and Major O.S. Sokoya. Their promotion, according to the Army, represents a critical step from junior to senior officer cadre.
Brigadier General M.O. Ibrahim, Commander 13 Brigade, congratulated the officers and described their elevation as a reward for hard work, discipline and loyalty. He said the new rank requires sound judgment and strategic leadership.
“The nation is looking to you to help confront complex security challenges,” Ibrahim declared. “Your leadership must inspire confidence and your decisions must be firm yet thoughtful.”
He stressed that as senior officers, they must mentor subordinates, safeguard the Army’s image and remain circumspect in decision-making because every action now carries wider operational and national implications.
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Ibrahim urged the officers to align with the philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, which focuses on transforming the Army into a well-motivated, combat-ready force capable of meeting constitutional responsibilities.
He reminded them that their promotion is “not merely an elevation in rank; it is a call to serve Nigeria with greater courage, integrity and professionalism.”
Highlights of the event included the official decoration by the Brigade Commander, assisted by the officers’ spouses and family members. Guests cheered and applauded as the new Majors received their insignia.
Major U.O. Obono (Retired), Senior Security Adviser to the Cross River State Government, and Brigadier General E. Azenda, Commandant of the Amphibious Training School, joined other dignitaries to celebrate the officers’ achievement.
The ceremony ended with a vote of thanks from one of the newly promoted officers, group photographs and light refreshments.
Major Yemi Sokoya, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, confirmed the details of the event in a statement released the same day on Facebook.