New GOC 6 Division Promises To Boost Nigeria’s Oil Production
Major General Emmanuel Emekah has assumed duty as the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, with a promise to build on the achievements of his predecessor, Major General Jamal Abdussalam.
During his maiden address at the division’s headquarters, on Friday, after a brief handover ceremony, Emekah expressed his optimism that the Division will surpass the federal government’s target of 2.3 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil production.
He noted that the Division is strategic to the nation and the presidency, emphasizing that crude oil is the mainstay of the nation’s economy.
The new GOC charged his officers to work hard to surpass the achievements of the division and the FG’s 2.3 million barrels per day target, setting a target of 2.5 million bpd.
He promised to lead by example, saying he will not be confined to his office but will be visible in the field, working closely with his units.
He said: “We will not disappoint you. The task, we are not looking 2.3, we are looking at 2.5M bpd so that even if we miss it, we will drop to 2.4 m bpd.
“We are going to do our best, you have to tighten you belt, I am not the commander that sits in the office. I am not comfortable siting in office, I will be platoon commander to some of your units. You will be seeing me, Chief of Staff will be doing the office work while I will be in Feild.”
Emekah, who described his predecessor as his mentor, said they have a very cordial relationship dating back to their days at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
He praised Abdussalam’s leadership, saying he always sought his guidance and at different times the outgoing GOC had helped him resolved problems.
He, however, emphasized the importance of welfare for his subordinates and their families, saying it is key to the success of the Division.
Earlier, the outgoing GOC, Maj-Gen Abdussalam, urged officers and troops to extend maximum cooperation, support, and loyalty to his successor.
He expressed confidence in the ability of the new GOC to take the Division to greater heights, while emphasizing the importance of professionalism amongst officers and men of the Division.
Meanwhile, in his farewell address to troops following a parade making the last lap of the handing over activities, Gen Abdussalam charged the troops to remain focused and avoid activities that could bring the Army to disrepute.
He thanked them for their dedication and hard work, highlighting the Division’s achievements in safeguarding critical national infrastructure and ensuring sustained oil production.
He said: “Very shortly, I will handover Command of 6 Division to the incoming General Officer Commanding, GOC.
“I am here this morning to first of all to thank all of you for all the good jobs that you have done throughout the period that I have been here as the GOC 6 Division.
“We have done a lot, because of all your dedication and hardwork. You know our main aim of being in this place I to safeguard critical National infrastructure and ensure sustainance of oil production for the benefits of our country.
“So far, oil production has continued raise from about 1.2 to 1.4 millions barrel per day in months back, to about 1.9m BPD. We have done well so far, but we still have a long way to go.
“The target of the FG is for the country to be producing 2.3m BPD. But if you look at it, between 1.9 and 2.3 is very small, achievable and it is something that we all can achieve.”
He urged the troops to do more, specifically targeting illegal oil bunkerers, economy saboteurs, and criminals in their area of responsibility.
He emphasized the importance of shunning connivance with criminals and ensuring that all critical national infrastructure is safe.
He charged them to continue lifting the flag of 6 Division high, tightening their belts, re-dedicating themselves, and working hard to ensure the Nigerian Army succeeds in its mission.
The handing-over ceremony was attended by top military officials, including the Chief of Staff and heads of Units and Commands.
New GOC 6 Division Promises To Boost Nigeria’s Oil Production is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
