The newly appointed General Officer Commanding 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Sokoto, Maj Gen Hakeem Oladapo Otiki today assumed command of the Division. General Otiki was the Commander Infantry Corps (CIC) in Jaji, position he held until his appointment as the new General Officer Commanding.
During the handing and taking over ceremony at the Headquarters, 8 Division, Kalaimbana, in Sokoto, the outgoing General Officer Commanding, Maj Gen Stevenson Olabanji thanked the Brigade Commanders, Staff Officers and soldiers of the Division for their loyalty, discipline and cooperation without which modest achievement recorded could not have been. He charged them to extend same if not more to his successor.
In his remarks, Gen Otiki emphasized unequivocally on discipline and the need to discharge their constitutional roles professionally. He warned the troops to disassociate themselves from politics.
Highlights of the ceremony include farewell parade and address to troops at 26 Battalion parade ground, signing of Handing and Taking over certificate and decoration of Incoming GOC with 8 Division Insignia. Others include Handing and taking over of 8 Division Flag to incoming GOC by the outgoing, tour of 8 Division complex facilities, inspection of farewell Quarter guard by the outgoing GOC and presentation of souvenir to the outgoing GOC.
Earlier on, premised on the fact that General Officer Commanding 8 Division is also the Force Commander of Operation SHARAN DAJI, handing and taking over of the operation took place yesterday at the former Presidential Lodge, JB Yakubu road, Gusau, Zamfara State. The occasion were witnessed by Commander 1 Brigade, Brig Gen LKN Udeagbala and other Principal Staff Officers of the Division.
