The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army (NA), Major General Obinna Onubogu, on Wednesday 4 September 2024, paid a courtesy visit to Lieutenant General Ipoola Akinrinade (Rtd), CFR FSS at his home town in Ile Ife, Osun State. General Akinrinade, was a former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) as well as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) during the second republic. He served as COAS from Oct 1979 – Apr 1980, and was CDS from 1980 – 1981.
General Onubogu, said that the visit to such a high ranking retired military officer, was appropriate to pay due homage to a man who once steered the ship of the NA and the military in general; adding that meeting him was an opportunity to draw from the veteran’s wealth of knowledge in service to nation.
The retired service chief, shared several stories of his vast experiences while in active service. He said serving the nation in the military, especially as COAS and CDS, was a life time opportunity for him to contribute his quoter to nation building.
General Akinrinade, noted that the increasing insecurity in the nation is worrisome, while expressing confidence in the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, NAM, to bring the ugly situation to a conclusive end, and to the benefits of all Nigerians. He said the NA is obviously working hard to ensure a crime free society that guarantees safety of lives and property. He also commended the GOC 2 Division NA, for the sustained efforts to ensure that 2 Division Area of Responsibility (AOR), remains calm and safe.
Lieutenant General Akinrinade, urged Nigerians to provide necessary information which he said, would assist the NA and other security agencies to effectively fight the current insecurity bedeviling the nation. He noted that security is everyone’s responsibility, and as such, all hands must be on deck to ensure that the enemies of Nigeria are given a permanent bloody nose. He applauded the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his continuous support to the Armed Forces and other security agencies to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities.
POLYCARP OKOYE
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Deputy Director
2 Division Nigerian Army
5 September 2024