The Nigerian Army Finance Corps on Friday held a valedictory pulling-out parade in Lagos to honour 10 senior officers who have retired after years of dedicated service to the Nigerian Army and the nation.
The ceremony, which took place at the Nigerian Army School of Signals Parade Ground in Apapa, Lagos, was organised to celebrate the careers, sacrifices and contributions of the retired officers to the growth and stability of the Army, particularly within the Finance Corps.
The retired officers include Major Generals KI Yusuf, AA Fayemiwo, J Mohammed, RN Ochei, MO Ihanuwaze, M Galadima and SA Gumel. Others are Brigadier Generals EA Obona, AS Maikano and MK Baba-Mallam.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division, the event was marked by military precision, tradition and deep emotions as serving officers paid tribute to their senior colleagues.
The pulling-out parade is a long-standing military tradition held to formally mark the retirement of senior officers. It symbolises honour, gratitude and respect for officers who have spent decades in service, often under challenging conditions.
The Special Guest of Honour at the event, retired Major General Kamal Ishola Yusuf, described the ceremony as one of the most colourful and dignified parades he had witnessed during his long military career.
In his valedictory speech, Major General Yusuf highlighted the importance of tradition in the military, noting that the armed forces remain one of the few institutions that strongly preserve customs and values passed down through generations.
He said such traditions form the backbone of the military’s identity and help shape its discipline, values and sense of unity.
“The military remains one of the few institutions that steadfastly uphold tradition,” Yusuf said. “These traditions define who we are, shape our discipline and strengthen our collective sense of purpose.”
He added that the pulling-out parade showed clearly that the Nigerian Army and the Finance Corps continue to grow by preserving and honouring their noble heritage.
Major General Yusuf also expressed gratitude to God for protecting the lives of the retired officers throughout their years of service. He thanked the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, for his continued support to the Nigerian Army and the Finance Corps.
He further praised the Chief of Accounts and Budget (Army), Major General TT Sidick, for his dedication and leadership, noting that his efforts played a key role in ensuring the success of the ceremony.
The Nigerian Army Finance Corps is responsible for managing the financial affairs of the Army, including budgeting, accounting and financial planning. Officers in the Corps play a critical role in ensuring that troops are properly supported and that resources are used responsibly.
Many of the retired officers served in different command and staff positions across the country, contributing to military operations, administration and reforms over the years.
The parade attracted a large number of dignitaries from within and outside the military. Attendees included serving and retired senior officers, former Chiefs of Army Staff, Corps Commanders, Commandants of defence institutions, formation commanders, and heads of financial institutions.
Also present were captains of industry, friends of the military and family members of the retired officers, who came to witness the formal end of their loved ones’ military careers.
The ceremony featured several highlights, including the traditional pulling-out parade, a ceremonial march-past by troops and group photographs with senior officers and guests.
After the parade, dignitaries and guests were treated to a reception at the Command Finance Office. The reception featured musical performances, comedy acts, a live band and cultural displays by a troupe.
Guests were also served meals and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere, allowing officers and their families to reflect on years of service and shared experiences.
Many attendees described the event as well-organised and emotionally moving, noting that it reflected the discipline and respect that define the Nigerian Army.
The retirement of the 10 senior officers comes at a time when the Nigerian Army continues to face security challenges across the country, including insurgency, banditry and other threats to national peace.
Military authorities have repeatedly stressed the importance of strong leadership, professionalism and institutional memory in addressing these challenges. Retired officers are often seen as custodians of experience and mentors to younger officers.
Analysts say ceremonies like the pulling-out parade help strengthen morale within the military by recognising service and sacrifice, while also reminding younger officers of the values expected of them.
The Nigerian Army has a long history of honouring its officers through formal retirement ceremonies, reinforcing loyalty and respect within its ranks.
As the 10 officers officially bow out of active service, many of their colleagues described them as disciplined professionals who contributed to the stability and growth of the Army Finance Corps.
Family members of the retirees expressed pride and gratitude, saying the ceremony was a fitting way to celebrate decades of commitment to national service.
For the retired officers, the parade marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, as they transition into civilian life with a legacy of service to Nigeria.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to upholding tradition, honouring service and maintaining professionalism as it continues its duty of defending the nation.
