Force Commander ‘Operation Whirl Punch,’ Major-General O.T Akinjobi receiving the flag from Major-General T.A Lagbaja, as the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Friday
Gen Lagbaja hands over to Gen. Akinjobi as GOC 1 Division, resumes at Army HQ
Newly appointed Force Commander ‘Operation Whirl Punch,’ Major-General O.T Akinjobi has formally replaced Major-General T.A Lagbaja, as the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army.
The handover took place, Friday, sees Gen. Akinjobi as the 40th GOC, 1 Division of the Nigerian Army.
Remarking, the new GOC Akinjobi, hailed his predecessor as a ‘qualified Infantry General, a seasoned fighter and one who has made the Nigerian Army proud in various theatres of operations across the country.’
“I am very proud of you, indeed the Nigerian Army is proud of you,” said Gen Akinjobi at the brief handover ceremony.
Responding, the outgoing GOC 1 Division, Gen Lagbaja, described his successor as a seasoned senior officer ‘who fully understands the 1 Division Area of Responsibility,’ adding that he counts on him ‘to succeed as GOC.’
Gen. Lagbaja, however, enjoined all officers and soldiers of the 1 Division to extend their support and cooperation to the new GOC, as he further ‘thanked the Almighty God and the Chief of Army Staff for the privilege to serve in GOC 1 Division.’
Gen. Lagbaja also appreciated formation commanders and all principal staff officers for their immense contribution to his successful tour of duty, congratulating ‘all officers and soldiers for their support, hard work, dedication and resilience,’ even as charged them ‘to give the same support to the new GOC.’
Highpoints of the ceremony were signing of handover and takeover notes, presentation of Division flag to the new GOC Akinjobi, his decoration with 1 Division Insignia, presentation of souvenirs to the outgoing GOC Lagbaja, group photograph, hoisting off a new Division’s flag and final inspection of quarter guard by the outgoing GOC.
General Lagbaja is expected to report to his post at the Army Headquarters as the Chief of Operations.
