Army's 8 Division formally takes off in Sokoto

The newly-established 8 Division of Nigerian Army, with headquarters in Sokoto, has formally taken off with the posting of Brigadier-General SO Olabanji as the pioneer General Officer Commanding (GOC).

Revealing this when he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal at the Government House, the new GOC said all necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure a smooth take off.

He said the bulk of the men and officers of the division were hitherto involved in internal safety operations in the North, but have now been mobilised to ensure the proper take off of the new division.

"As you may recall, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Yusuf Burutai announced the establishment of this division when he visited Sokoto earlier this year. I am to inform you that we have taken off and to solicit the support and cooperation of the people and governments under our jurisdiction," the new GOC stated.

In his remarks, Governor Tambuwal assured the army authorities of total support to enable them achieve their objectives.

"We welcome you with open hearts. To us, the military are our friends. We will give you all the necessary support to achieve success. We owe you that much having given everything you have to protect us at all times.

"We will do everything we can to make your stay comfortable. As for the new GOC, we assure you that Sokoto is your home. Feel free to go to any part of the state anytime the need arises. We cherish our position of being the most peaceful state in the federation, and your arrival will make us strengthen that position," he added.  

CAPTION

1. L-R: Secretary to Sokoto State Government (SSG), Prof Bashir Garba, Commandant of Nigerian Army's 1 Brigade, Sokoto, Brig-Gen Nwosu, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and GOC, 8 Div, Sokoto, Brig-Gen SO Olabanji when the army team visited Sokoto Government House...Wednesday 18/10/17

2. L-R: GOC of Nigerian Army's 8 Div, Sokoto, Brig-Gen SO Olabanji presenting a plaque to Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal to commemorate the take off of the new division during a visit to Sokoto Government House...Wednesday 18/10/17

3. L-R: GOC of Nigerian Army's 8 Div, Sokoto, Brig-Gen SO Olabanji presenting a plaque to Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal to commemorate the take off of the new division during a visit to Sokoto Government House...Wednesday 18/10/17