By Patrick Obia
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, on Tuesday in Calabar, unveiled the renamed Akim Barracks in honor of the late Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, who served as the 21st Chief of Army Staff, COAS in recognition of his contributions and sacrifice to the Nigerian Army.
The now named Ibrahim Attahiru Barracks houses the Headquarters of the 13 Brigade Nigerian Army and its Garrison. The Barracks first came into existence in 1912 as part of the West African Frontier Force
The Governor who led the unveiling exercise during a ceremony at the military facility, described the gesture as a national obligation to preserve the memory and honor the legacy of the military officer whose life was dedicated to the service and defence of Nigeria.
Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru served as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff from 26th January to 21st May 2021. A tenure of just 114 days.
He died in an air crash alongside 10 other officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces, cutting short a distinguished 35-year military career that had taken him through nearly every rank of command in the Nigerian Army.
Represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Otu said the renaming of Akim Barracks to Ibrahim Attahiru Barracks immortalizes the late Army Chief’s courage, selfless service and commitment to national security.
He described Attahiru as a distinguished military officer who embodied the finest traditions of soldiering, noting that although his tenure as Chief of Army Staff was brief, his impact on the Nigerian Army remained significant.
The Governor noted that Attahiru assumed leadership of the Army during a challenging period in Nigeria’s security history and introduced a renewed strategic direction, operational vigour, discipline and determination in the fight against terrorism and other security threats.
He described the late General as a leader who believed in leading from the front and demonstrated commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of his troops.
Otu averred that the decision to name the military installation after Attahiru would ensure that his exemplary service and ultimate sacrifice continued to inspire serving and future generations of military personnel.
Addressing officers and soldiers of the newly renamed Ibrahim Attahiru Barracks, he urged them to uphold the values associated with the late Army Chief, including professionalism, discipline, loyalty, courage and selfless service, while charging the military personnel to remain committed to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity, combating terrorism and other criminal activities, and safeguarding lives and property in Cross River State.
He assured the Nigerian Army of the state government’s continued commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at improving military infrastructure, personnel welfare, training, equipment and operational readiness.
He commended the Army for initiating the process of immortalizing the late Attahiru, describing the renaming as a fitting recognition of his contributions to the Nigerian Army and the country.
Army Chief Charges 13th Brigade To Uphold Attahiru’s Legacy
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged officers and soldiers of the 13th Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Calabar to uphold the values of courage, discipline, integrity and selfless service associated with the late Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru.
Lt. General Shaibu during the unveiling of the renamed Akim Barracks, which, according to him, is aimed at preserving the legacy of a military leader whose career was characterized by courage, professional competence, discipline and dedication to national service.
The 25th COAS noted that the strength of a military institution was measured not only by its operational capabilities and achievements but also by its ability to preserve the legacies of individuals whose leadership and sacrifices had shaped its history.
The Army Chief averred that the late Attahiru belonged to a distinguished generation of military leaders who understood the responsibilities of command and demonstrated exceptional respect for the Nigerian Army, its personnel and the nation.
He recalled that the late general assumed office as Chief of Army Staff at a particularly challenging period in Nigeria’s security history, when the military was confronted with complex and evolving security threats.
He said that despite his brief tenure, Attahiru pursued his responsibilities with determination, prioritizing operational effectiveness, personnel welfare, professionalism and the fighting spirit of troops.
Although his life and promising military career were tragically cut short, the Army Chief said his commitment to duty and the ideals he championed continued to resonate within the Nigerian Army.
He stressed that the military profession should not be measured by the length of time an officer spends in command but by the strength of character, influence and enduring impact of their leadership.
The Army boss explained that naming the Barracks after late Attahiru went beyond preserving his memory, describing it as a lasting connection between the heritage of the Nigerian Army and the responsibilities of serving personnel.
He charged officers and soldiers serving at the newly renamed barracks to demonstrate courage, integrity, discipline and selflessness in their daily responsibilities, directing the Commander of the 13th Brigade and other personnel under his command to ensure that the values associated with the late Army Chief were reflected in their leadership, conduct, commitment to duty and relationship with surrounding communities.
He however urged military commanders to recognize that while appointments and positions were temporary, the decisions they made and examples they set could influence generations.
In a vote of thanks, the wife of the late Chief of Army Staff, Mrs. Fatima Ibrahim Attahiru thanked the leadership of the Nigerian Army for honoring her late husband.
She said the renaming of the Akim Barracks to her late husband came at the right time the family needed it most and will serve as consolation to the family, adding that the honor is a source of pride and also a reminder of the sacrifices of fallen heroes.
The process of immortalising her husband, according to her, began during the tenure of a former COAS, Lt. Gen. TA Lagbaja, whom unfortunately, also passed while in office.
She used the opportunity to encourage other officers’ wives whose husbands paid the supreme price, noting that their impacts and legacies will speak while they are gone.
Mrs. Fatima said as a way of keeping the memory of her late husband alive, a foundation (education focused) has been established. She disclosed the foundation so far has given over 200 scholarship to students to enroll in school at all levels.
She said may the renaming inspire every officer and soldier to be gallant, courageous and remember that their labor will not be in vain.
In attendance was the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede. Also were representatives from the Nigerian Navy, Police, Custom, Air Force, Immigration, traditional rulers, state government, and other dignitaries.
The event featured unveiling of the new name – Ibrahim Attahiru Barracks, Calabar; group photographs, presentation of certificate to the late Ibrahim Attahiru’s wife; presentation of award to the Chief of Army Staff, inspection of sentry guard, cultural dance among others.
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