The Nigerian Army has dispatched delegates from Army Headquarters Directorate of Veterans Affairs to carry out restructuring assignment across formations of the Nigerian Army to assess how the NA Military Cemeteries are operated and maintained in order to meet international best standard.
Colonel VC Ibeh and two other Senior Officers on Monday, 18 July, 2022 visited Headquarters 7 Division and Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI to assess the outlook and structural layouts of the Maimalari Military Cantonment Cemetery.
Col Ibeh who said coming to the Theatre for such an assignment, it behoves on them to pay homage on the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 OPHK.
Similarly, Col Ibeh said the NA is also looking into ways to enhance its relationship with the Nigerian Legion whose wealth of experience even after retirement can still be tapped to aid several military operations and activities across formations where they resides as they constitute a better part of the communities where the Nigerian Army operates.
He reiterated that this assessment visit will enable them come up with observations and suggestions to better the operations of all NA Cemeteries.
While responding, the GOC Major General Waidi Shaibu welcome the team to Headquarters 7 Division and disclosed that the NA need to come up with a standard and concept that will make the place more befitting, attractive and where families can come and pay respect and honour to their loved ones as they are laid to rest.
In his words, "I am conceiving the idea to construct a marble wall where names of the fallen heroes will be engraved for posterity".
Commenting on the issue of the Nigerian Legion, the GOC opined that members of the Legion can better be used as human intelligence by formations where they resides considering the fact that they have spent better parts of their lives fighting for the Country and rendering service to humanity and now need to rest. He therefore assured the team of all the necessary support to make their visit a success.
The hitch free visit saw the presentation of plaques by both the visiting team and the GOC, signing of visitors' book and a group photograph. It was witnessed by the Chief of Staff HQ 7 Division, Brigadier General SY Yakasai, the Deputy Chief of Staff in Charge of Administration, Col SO Bello, and other members of the team.
- Brigadier General SK Usman (Retd)
