More than 50 meritorious servicemen and women in the South West Region have received new epaulettes promoting them to higher ranks within their respective corps.
Senior officials of the entire Idabato Subdivision on Saturday, January 1, 2011 converged at the BIR-DELTA complex of Jabane for an epaulette award ceremony promoting over 50 servicemen and women to higher ranks. Family members, well-wishers and the population of Jabane turned out in numbers for an event that will remain memorable in the annals of the area.
The Senior Divisional Officer of Ndian Mr. Peter Tieh Ndeh chaired the epaulette award in the presence of the Commander of the BIR-DELTA Colonel Nouma Joseph. Remarkably present was the Nigerian Commissioner of the Maritime Police at Ikang, Cross Rivers State (Nigeria) Mr. Godwill Aboyise. In true military tradition, there were no speeches only the names of the recipients announced.
In a nutshell, 55 meritorious commandos of the BIR in Jabane received new epaulettes promoting them to higher ranks within the respective corps. Those promoted include five officers, five sub officers and 45 of the rank and file. The event was also marked by the award of a public force medal to Sergeant Ejang Nathalie and two medals of the military cross. Captain Ngah Bafoula led the troops during the march past that ensured after the colourful ceremony. Family members and relatives who made the journey by sea were all in a joyous mood as they showered flowers to their loved ones.
In a brief interview, the Senior Divisional Officer for Ndian Mr. Peter Tieh Ndeh said his presence during the ceremony was threefold: to celebrate the New Year with the army, to congratulate and encourage those who have been promoted to higher echelons to work hard and lastly to ask those who have not been promoted “to work further and stronger” to merit recognition and decoration. The Nigerian Commissioner of the Maritime Police at Ikang said he was at the occasion in a private capacity. Asked to evaluate relations between Cameroon and Nigeria, he said “Cordial. Very cordial.” Feasting and general jubilation crowned the event that was spiced with traditional dancers from the Jabane inhabitants.
