BY ROSE EJEMBI
Five retired Sapper Generals were at the weekend rowed out from the Nigerian Army at a colourful ceremony held at the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering (NASME) Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
Speaking at the event, Commander Corp of Engineers (CCE), Maj. Gen. Edmond Obi said the ceremony was organised for those generals who have retired in the past five years stressing that the delay in rowing them out was due to exigencies.
While noting that the ceremony was a sign of respect for the Generals who have retired honourably, Obi commended the retired officers for the foundation which they laid and which is now being built upon.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom who was represented by his deputy, Engr. Benson Abounu commended Nigerian Army Engineers for contributing to the development of Nigeria.
The governor who said retired Generals Ikumoieneim, Owonibi, Reis, Linus and Ayeni paid their dues by serving the nation meritoriously for over 30 years even as he described military engineers as people who provide critical services in times of peace and war.
Highlight of the event was the symbolic rowing out of the five generals who were dressed in live jackets with their wives and ferried across River Benue.