It was an unforgettable evening of fun as the people of lsuikwuato District of Abia State on Sunday, January 16, 2022, sent forth the Commanding Officer, 143 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Lt.-Col AU lliyasu, whom they described as “our dear friend”.

The event held at the 143Btn/Nigerian Army Language Institute (NALI) Officers’ Mess, Ovim Barracks, lsuikwuato, also served as a welcome party for his successor, Lt.-Col. Timothy Okundaye.

The colourful ceremony was graced by appreciative Ndi Isuikwuato and their friends and well wishers, including traditional rulers, the leadership of Hausa community of Lokpanta, as well as Officers of the Nigerian Army, top among them being Brig.-Gen. Goni, Commandant of the NALI, Ovim.

Former Chief of Army Staff, Gen Onyeabor lhejirika (Rtd), Minister of State for Solid Minerals Development, Dr Uche S. Ogah, and Pro Chancellor of Gregory University, Uturu Isuikwuato, Prof Greg Ibeh, sent high profile representatives.

The sudden physical appearance of Isuikwuato Local Government Area Chairman, Hon. Chima Agbaeze, in the middle of the ceremony, electrified the event and further spiced it up.

There was plenty to eat and drink as eulogies rained from Sir Dave Agwalla, who chaired the occasion, and guests, who took turns to recount sweet memories of their encounters with Lt.-Col. Iliyasu while he commanded the 143Btn.

In his vote of thanks, Lt.-Col. Iliyasu thanked the people of lsuikwuato District for the honour done him and pledged to give all the necessary advice to support to his successor, to effectively take over and even do better.

•PHOTO: From left; HRH, Eze Ginikanwa – lmenyi; Commandant of the Nigerian Language Institute, Brig.-Gen. Goni, outgoing Commanding Officer, Lt.-Col. AU lliyasu, HRH Eze Engr Udeh –Oguduasa; High Chief John Chukwu – Isuamawu; and Sir Dave Agwalla, Chairman of the occasion.