The Chief of Army Staff, Farouq Yahaya has promoted a soldier from private to lance corporal for reportedly accomplishing tasks above his rank.
Jamilu Mohammed who was acting as the Quarter Guard Sergeant at Command Engineering Depot in Kaduna at the time Mr Yahaya visited on Monday July 12, is said to be under three years old in the Nigerian Army, but had to step in to perform the task that requires a soldier with 16 years of experience to accomplish.
It was gathered that after leading the Quarter Guard parade to welcome the COAS, Mohammed stirred up the interest of Yahaya Farouq after perfunctorily introducing his rank as “19NA/782148, Private Jamilu Mohammed”.
After the quarter inspection, the army chief recommended Mr Mohammed for a promotion to the next rank – which is lance corporal (it takes fives years for a private soldier to be promoted to lance corporal).
Army spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu said the promotion is a reward for an outstanding performance as an Acting Quarter Guard Sergeant. He added that it is aimed at spurring others into always displaying a high sense of professionalism in whatever task they are assigned to perform.
The statement read;
“The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya has granted automatic promotion to 19NA/782148, Jamilu Mohammed.
“This promotion came as a result of the professional military skills displayed by the soldier at a regimental Quarter Guard during COAS’ operational visit to Command Engineering Depot in Kaduna.
“The promotion/is a reward for outstanding performance as an Acting Quarter Guard Sergeant to spur others to always display a high sense of professionalism in whatever task they are assigned to perform.
“This will not only improve the system, but also guarantee success in all military operations.
“The COAS was at the CED to inspect the facilities to enhance the productive capacity of the centre, said he was impressed with the research and developmental efforts of the engineers.”
