In a grand inauguration ceremony, the Nigerian Army gathered at the 3 Division Small Arms Range in Miango, Jos, on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, to kickstart the prestigious Warrant Officers to Master Warrant Officers Promotion Board for the year 2023.
Representing the Chief of Personnel Management (Army), Brig Gen A O Oyelade, Director of Personnel Planning at the Department of Personnel Planning, Nigerian Army Headquarters, opened the event. He warmly welcomed all attendees and expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TA Lagbaja, for facilitating this event in Jos. Acknowledging the logistical support provided by the host formation commander, Maj Gen AE Abubakar, to ensure the seamless execution of the exercise.
Brig Gen Oyelade urged all participants to put forth their best effort for a hitch-free exercise, emphasizing the rigorous evaluation process, including physical and medical examinations, personal drill, written examination, weapon handling, oral interviews, document screening, and basic computer knowledge for clerks. He reminded candidates that they must excel in all these areas to be eligible for promotion to Master Warrant Officer.
While encouraging competition among candidates, Brig Gen Oyelade stressed the importance of maintaining discipline, punctuality, abstaining from travel during the exercise, avoiding drug abuse, and refraining from using personal vehicles.
The General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven, Maj Gen A E Abubakar, represented by Brig. Gen. Mohamed Kwamfut, Chief of Staff, 3 Division, in his remarks also welcomed attendees to the 3 Division Small Arms Range in Minago, Jos. He expressed his delight in hosting the Warrant Officer to Master Warrant Officer Promotion Board Exercise 2023.
Maj Gen Abubakar commended the Chief of Army Staff for providing the leadership and enabling environment for this significant event. He highlighted the exercise’s importance as a requirement for promotion to the esteemed rank of Master Warrant Officer and praised the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of the candidates to serve Nigeria.
He emphasized that the journey to becoming a Master Warrant Officer is demanding, requiring discipline, perseverance, and a profound understanding of the responsibilities attached to the rank. Maj Gen Abubakar assured the candidates that they would undergo a rigorous selection program designed to test their leadership and technical skills in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy.
Maj Gen Abubakar reminded candidates that promotion to Master Warrant Officer signifies exceptional performance and trust in their capabilities. He expressed gratitude to the Board Members for their efforts in developing the program and ensuring fairness throughout the exercise.
He assured candidates of a comfortable stay during the exercise while emphasizing the importance of staying within designated areas for their safety.
In conclusion, Maj Gen Abubakar wished all warrant officers a successful promotion exercise, filled with a sense of achievement.
Brig Gen Oyelade officially declared the Warrant Officer to Master Officer Promotion Board 2023 open on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, The inauguration ceremony marked the beginning of a three-week-long evaluation process that will determine the next group of Master Warrant Officers in the Nigerian Army.
