January 15: Respect.

15-01-2017

The Nigerian military is one institution that generates mixed emotions amongst Nigerians. The man who's been slapped before by an army corporal or the lady who has been beaten blue-black by Navy ratings won't give a rat's behind about today and what it signifies.

Some don't care about an institution that produced emperors and dictators; the volume of blood shed by some of these men over the years may just be the reason why Nigeria has struggled to make significant progress. The nation still bears the marks and scars of a needless civil war and the ethnoreligious complications which have arisen from it. Most of the blame has gone to the military and although the present officers have little or nothing to do with that era, they have to bear the transferred aggression, disdain and lack of support coming from many Nigerians.

What about the untold stories of valor and sacrifice? What about those spouses, siblings, parents and children who have over the years 'suffered' the effects of having a family member commit to defending the nation? Don't they deserve commendation?

There was a time the military held sway in the country and many parents hurled their kids to write entrance exams into military schools. It didn't work out for some of us, perhaps our lives would have gone on different tangents. Some went all the way and more than a few have paid the ultimate price.

It is technically just a day to remember the unknown soldier; unknown not just because they were missing in action but in my opinion, because their duties and sacrifices far outweigh all the medals we can award to them.

We should not forget the atrocities of the past, we cannot forget Asaba, Odi, Zaria, Tiv land and many other locations, even those outside Nigeria but we should support the efforts of the present crew and hail those who do good.

More good people should see reason to join the military, it is not an abomination to do so.

Respect to all my folks in the military, respect to those currently in training and those who will be joining soon.

Remembering fallen heroes is a big deal in other climes, let's make it a duty to honor ours.

Respect to all those currently serving: Akpan, J Yusuf, Bada, Oyeneyin, Adigun, Akinpelu, Osasuyi, A Yusuf, Chegwe etc.

Huge respect to all those staying awake and combing forests in the northeast and swamps while we sleep.

To all whose parents, siblings, spouses, relatives and friends sacrificed all for Nigeria; God bless and comfort you.

 

Army officers in Northeast Nigeria

Army-Airforce Training

Navy Special force

Navy combat officers

Airmen

NAF pilots

Late Lt. Col Abu Ali hoisted