….Col. Yakubu Takes Over
By Uzo Ugwunze
The Chairman of Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty Igwe Chidubem Iweka Eze Iweka III of Obosi Ukwalla kingdom has received a prestigious honor from the outgoing Commander, 302 Artillery Cantonment, Col. Adamu Muhammad who described him as not just a respectable king but a father to him.
Presenting the Cantonment’s prestigious award to His Majesty, Igwe Chidubem Iweka at his palace in the presence of his cabinet chiefs ‘Igwe na Ndiichie’, Col Mohammad who was going for a course to enhance his military career said he would not take for granted the warm welcome and cooperation he enjoyed which helped him to succeed during his stay as the Commander 302 Artillery Cantonment.
“I sincerely appreciate the honor and blessings bestowed on me and my colleague Col. Madaki Yakubu who will be taken over from me”.
“By default it happens that I am here with my successor who is coming to take over from me to introduce him to his Majesty. Incidentally the way I served as a captain here, he was also here as a captain but he is coming back today as a Commander.
“I can recall that when I reported in this state, after awhile I had a reason to place a call through to his Majesty and I was actually surprised that he could still remember me and called me by my first name. I felt that this is my father.
“I thank you so very much for keeping me in mind and remembering the services we have rendered. You will remain my father anywhere I go. I promise to keep in touch.
” Kindly accept this award. It was given in recognition of your fatherly advice and immense contributions to the promotion of security both within Obosi community and environs,” said Mohammad.
In his remarks, Eze Iweka III described the outgoing Commander as a gentleman who assisted both the Anambra State Government and Obosi community in fighting crime and criminality while he was in charge of the Cantonment.
He recounted several joint security operations even he the monarch embarked upon with the joint taskforce military, police, vigilante, NDLEA and NSCDC while raiding criminal hideouts within Obosi community until the security was restored in the vicinity.
“I do not entertain or hold a farewell event just to anyone just because I know the person. I must see a reason to show that you deserve it wether it is chieftaincy titles or Awards. Several Cantonment Commanders have come and gone under my watch but Col Mohammad is exceptional.
“In fact my chiefs and people have to organize this occasion as a farewell because of your immense contribution to protect lives and property in Anambra State. I hope that his predecessor would follow his footsteps.
According to Chief Okey Mgbemena, Uzzi Obosi, We wish the outgoing Commander well in his sojourning to acquire more knowledge and expertise in his military career. We shall still welcome you when you come back as a Chief of Army Staff to visit, even if you are posted elsewhere you are still a friend to our palace.
“For the incoming, we know military men as gentle men. You should not treat human beings like animals but human beings that have dignity. Do your work with professionalism and human face devoid of intimidation,” said Mgbemena.
President of Obosi Urban Landlords Chief Emeka Asimone Dikedioramma after eulogizing Eze Iweka III of Obosi for his fatherly role in the host community thanked the Commander for the good relationship and and support existing between the cantonment and the Obosi urban communities hoping that the new Commander continues in the same way.
