The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd) has commended the immediate-past Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Pulo Shield in Bayelsa State, Maj. Gen. Johnson Ochoga, for a distinguished career in the Nigerian Army.
The Bayelsa Deputy Governor made this remark at a sent-forth ceremony in honour of Gen. Ochoga, who is proceeding retirement from the Nigerian Army and the Deputy Commander of Operation Pulo Shield, Navy Commodore Abimbola Ayuba, who is on posting to a Naval Command in Rivers State.
According to him, Gen. Ochoga was leaving the service without blemish after 34 years and encouraged other officers still in service to emulate his outstanding qualities.
He further advised Gen. Ochoga to prepare for life after service, stressing that it was not easy for military personnel to leave their military families, where they spent a good number of their productive years before joining their nucleus families on retirement.
He also used the opportunity to formally welcome the new Commanding Officer of Operation Pulo Shield, Maj. Gen. B.A. Debiro, assuring him that the State Government will give him the necessary support to enable him succeed on his new assignment.
The deputy governor also expressed gratitude to officers and men of the JTF for the relative peace achieved in the State since the inception of the current administration in the State.
Rear Admiral Jonah(rtd) noted that the military constitute the power base of the country, adding that aside from protecting the territorial boundaries of the country, it also sustains the economic power of the nation by safe-guarding the country’s off-shore resources among others.
In his response, Gen. Ochoga said that he is a highly fulfilled man after 34 years of meritorious service in the Nigerian Army, noting that some of his colleagues, who started the journey with him, did not make it to the top while others lost their lives in active service.
Going down memory lane, Gen. Ochoga thanked God for sparing his life, adding that the journey was rough but exciting as he went through thick and thin.
He also thanked the State Government for the immeasurable support given to him during his duty tour in the State and requested that same be extended to his successor, Maj. Gen. B. A. Debiro.
Highlight of the occasion, was presentation of gifts to the special guests of honour, Gen. Ochoga and Commodore Ayuba.
Dignitaries present include; Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Johnson Olutoyin, top military officers, commissioners and special advisers.
