A special combined Christian and Muslim service was held at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks, Ohafia, Abia State, to pray for and formally welcome the new Commander of 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmad Mansur Dikko.
The interdenominational programme, marked by worship and prayers, brought together officers, soldiers and their families in a show of unity and support for the new Brigade Commander.
The Christian service took place at the All Souls Military Church. The First Lesson was taken from Joshua 1:1–16 and read by the Chief of Staff, 14 Brigade, Colonel M.S. Maaji, while the Second Lesson from Romans 8:31–39 was read by the Commander, 14 Brigade Garrison, Lieutenant Colonel A.A. Ango. The Combined Band rendered “Faith of Our Fathers,” and the Combined Christian Women Fellowship also ministered during the service.
In his welcome address, the officiating priest, Reverend Captain Yusuf Ishaya, said the service was organised to pray for and welcome the new Commander, whom he described as a leader who believes in committing every assignment to God in prayer. He conveyed the Commander’s greetings to officers, soldiers and their families, noting that Brigadier General Dikko was unavoidably absent due to operational commitments.
Delivering a sermon titled “Commissioned to Conquer,” with reference to Numbers 31:49, Captain (Ven.) Yusuf Ishaya emphasised the importance of prayer, unity and collective support in achieving peaceful and successful leadership.
A special prayer session was later conducted for the Brigade Commander, represented at the altar by Colonel Maaji, who led officers and soldiers in intercession.
In remarks delivered on behalf of the Commander, Colonel Maaji thanked the congregation for their prayers and support. He explained that the Commander’s absence was due to the exigencies of ongoing clearance operations.
He conveyed the Commander’s assurance of his commitment to servant leadership, inclusiveness and improved welfare within the barracks, particularly in the areas of water supply, medical services and empowerment of soldiers’ wives. He also stressed the importance of family support, prayer and unity within the barracks community.
Colonel Maaji described Brigadier General Dikko as a reliable and professionally accomplished officer, urging members of the barracks community to give him maximum support. He assured the congregation that proceedings of the service would be fully briefed to the Commander.
The Christian service ended with the Doxology.
Similarly, Islamic prayers were held at the Corporal and Below Quarters Mosque within the barracks. The session was led by the Chief Imam, Major H.M. Ilal-Amam, who offered prayers for divine guidance, protection and a successful tenure for the new Commander.
The Islamic prayer session was attended by Brigadier General Dikko; the Commanding Officer, 143 Ranger Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel B. Magaji; senior officers; and soldiers of the Brigade. Special prayers were offered for the Commander as he commenced his tour of duty.
