Troops of Operation ATILEHIN ALAFIA II (OPAA II) deployed in the Republic of Benin on Wednesday celebrated the Eid-el-Kabir festivities during a special Salah luncheon organised in their honour under the directive of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Wahid Shaibu.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) was represented at the occasion by the Nigerian Defence Attache to the Republic of Benin, Colonel S.A. Yahaya.
Speaking at the event, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of Mission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Republic of Benin, Ambassador Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim, commended the officers and soldiers of OPAA II for their professionalism, discipline and unwavering dedication to duty.
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She noted that the troops had continued to strengthen the cordial relationship between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin through their exemplary conduct and commitment, while positively projecting the image of the Nigerian Army and the nation within the multinational operational environment.
Ambassador Adeola-Ibrahim also lauded the efforts of the Chief of Army Staff in promoting troop welfare and sustaining the operational effectiveness of personnel serving outside Nigeria. As part of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations and in a gesture of goodwill, she donated a cow to the troops.
Delivering the goodwill message of the Chief of Army Staff, Colonel Yahaya conveyed the warm greetings and appreciation of Lieutenant General Shaibu to the personnel for their sacrifices, resilience, discipline and professionalism in the discharge of their responsibilities.
He commended the troops for their steadfast dedication and for upholding the values, traditions and professional standards of the Nigerian Army while operating in a multinational environment.
The COAS further urged the personnel to remain focused, disciplined and committed to the successful execution of their mandate. He also encouraged them to continue fostering cordial relations with the host nation and other relevant stakeholders.
According to him, the leadership of the Nigerian Army remains unwavering in its commitment to the welfare, operational effectiveness and overall well-being of personnel deployed both within and outside the country.
Earlier, the Commanding Officer of OPAA II, Lieutenant Colonel A.A. Ikoro, welcomed the Special Guest of Honour, the representative of the Chief of Army Staff, members of the diplomatic community, officers and personnel of the Republic of Benin Armed Forces, as well as other distinguished guests.
Lieutenant Colonel Ikoro described the gathering as a reflection of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to troop welfare, morale and operational cohesion. He expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff for his continued support to troops serving beyond Nigeria’s borders and reaffirmed the commitment of OPAA II personnel to the successful accomplishment of their mission in the Republic of Benin.
The event attracted members of the diplomatic community, senior military officers, personnel of the Republic of Benin Armed Forces, and officers and soldiers of OPAA II.
Highlights of the celebration included goodwill interactions, entertainment, group photographs and the sharing of Salah meals among troops and guests in an atmosphere of unity, camaraderie and festivity.
