Agorehmi Bright, Reporting
MAJOR General Everest Okoro has officially assumed duty as the 12th General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE.
The change of command ceremony took place on Friday at the Headquarters of 6 Division Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt Barracks, Rivers State, following the recent redeployment of senior officers by the Nigerian Army.
Delivering his farewell address, the outgoing GOC, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, expressed gratitude to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff for the opportunity to serve.
He commended the officers and soldiers of the Division for their discipline, loyalty, and cooperation, which he credited as instrumental to the achievements recorded during his tenure, which began on 24 January 2025.
Major General Emekah revealed that national daily oil production had risen from approximately 1.3 million barrels per day at the start of his command to about 1.5 million barrels per day, attributing this increase to the dedication and commitment of troops under the 6 Division.
He urged personnel to extend the same level of support to his successor and charged them to remain disciplined, professional, and committed to their duties.
“I urge you to shun all acts capable of undermining the integrity of the Nigerian Army and the nation,” he stated.
In his remarks, Major General Okoro expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for the appointment.
He described his predecessor as a fine officer and mentor, recalling their shared history dating back to their days at the Nigerian Defence Academy, and congratulated him on a successful tenure.
The new GOC assured that he would build upon the legacies of his predecessor, with a particular focus on protecting critical national infrastructure and sustaining increased oil production for enhanced revenue generation.
“I will ensure the continued protection of critical national infrastructure and work towards sustaining increased oil production for greater revenue generation for the nation,” Major General Okoro said.
The ceremony featured several symbolic highlights, including the signing of handover notes, presentation of insignia, decoration with the Divisional Badge, presentation of the Divisional Flag, and a group photograph to commemorate the occasion.
