On Tuesday, September 12, 2023, the Nigerian Army convened at the 3 Division Small Arms Range in Miango, Jos, to officially launch the esteemed Warrant Officers to Master Warrant Officers Promotion Board for the forthcoming year 2023.
Brig Gen A O Oyelade, Director of Personnel Planning at the Department of Personnel Planning, Nigerian Army Headquarters, opened the meeting on behalf of the Chief of Personnel Management (Army). He gave everyone present a hearty greeting and thanked Lieutenant General TA Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, for organising this meeting in Jos. In order to ensure the smooth execution of the exercise, acknowledging the logistical support given by the host formation commander, Maj Gen AE Abubakar.
Brig Gen Oyelade emphasised the rigorous evaluation process, which includes physical and medical examinations, personal drill, written examinations, weapon handling, oral interviews, document screening, and basic computer knowledge for clerks. He urged all participants to make every effort to ensure a smooth exercise. He emphasised to candidates that in order to be promoted to Master Warrant Officer, they must excel in each of these areas.
Brig Gen Oyelade emphasised the value of upholding order, timeliness, refraining from travel during the exercise, refraining from using personal vehicles, abstaining from drug use, and fostering competition among candidates.
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Kwamfut, Chief of Staff, 3 Division, spoke on behalf of Maj. Gen. A. E. Abubakar, General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Operation Safe Haven, and welcomed visitors to the 3 Division Small Arms Range in Minago, Jos. In 2023, he will be holding the Warrant Officer to Master Warrant Officer Promotion Board Exercise, which he expressed excitement about.
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Kwamfut, Chief of Staff, 3 Division, who is also the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Operation Safe Haven, welcomed the attendees to the 3 Division Small Arms Range in Minago, Jos, in his remarks. He said how excited he was to host the 2023 Warrant Officer to Master Warrant Officer Promotion Board Exercise.
Maj Gen Abubakar expressed his gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff for providing the direction and supportive atmosphere necessary for this important occasion. He emphasised the significance of the exercise as a prerequisite for advancement to the respected rank of Master Warrant Officer and commended the candidates’ passion, professionalism, and dedication to serving Nigeria.
He emphasised that achieving the rank of Master Warrant Officer is difficult and calls for discipline, tenacity, and a thorough understanding of the duties associated with the position. The candidates were given the assurance that they would go through a rigorous selection process that would evaluate their technical and leadership abilities in accordance with the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff. Maj Gen Abubakar.
The candidates were reminded by Maj Gen Abubakar that promotion to Master Warrant Officer denotes outstanding achievement and confidence in their talents. He thanked the Board Members for their work in creating the programme and making sure the process was fair.
While promising them a nice stay during the exercise, he emphasised how crucial it was for their safety that they stay in the specified locations.
Maj Gen Abubakar concluded by wishing all warrant officers a fruitful promotion process that left them feeling accomplished.
On behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Brig Gen Oyelade formally declared the Warrant Officer to Master Officer Promotion Board 2023 open. The inauguration ceremony signalled the start of a three-week evaluation process that will choose the upcoming class of Master Warrant Officers for the Nigerian Army.
