By Ifeizu Joe
The chairman of Keves Global Leasing Limited, Chief Ikenna Okafor has received the Nigerian Army Outstanding Service Commendation Medal, (NAOSCM).
The medal was invested on the popular philanthropist during the grand finale of this years Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), which took place at Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Monday.
During the nationwide event, veterans and serving personnel of the Nigerian Army were honoured for their outstanding service.
Among the veteran soldiers honoured was former ECOMOG Force Commander, retired Maj.-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo, who is credited as the only surviving veteran of that operation. He was awarded for his contributions to regional peace and security.
In the civilian category, only three Nigerians were listed, including Okafor who is most popularly known by his traditional name, Ide Akwaeze.
In a letter to Okafor, the Chief of Army Staff, stated that his significant contributions to the development and upliftment of the Service, from time to time was the reason for the award.
The army listed other contributions a 5 unit Single Officers’ Quarters, Physical Training Cloak and Lounge and construction of 29 Battalion Medical Reception Station. Others are; construction of two lawn tennis courts, volley ball court and pavilion at the Headquarters 6 Division Sports Arena and 14 units self-contain accommodation for Corporal and Below.
The event was attended by several dignitaries including former military head of state, Gen Yakubu Gowon former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and several other dignitaries including deputy governors, former Chiefs of Army Staff, Chiefs of Defence Intelligence and many others.
Host state governor for the NADCEL 2026 event and Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara expressed happiness about the choice of the state as the host.
He said: “It is heartwarming for us because you choose Rivers State as the host state for this nationwide event. This is a good counter narrative of the bad stories sponsored to malign my person and government.
“Nigerian Army has displayed expertise, technology and manpower development. I thank the president for giving them the support that made this possible. On my part as a government we will continue to support security because their success is our success.
“Nigeria Army is my primary Constituency as my late father was an army man and I grew up in the barracks with him before I departed. So this event is also about me, it is about my father and Nigeria as a whole. I appeal that for us to get the best from our men they need to be taken good care of.”
The event featured parades by several arms and groups within the army including: Nigerian Navy, Air Force, Nigeria Army Engineers Corps, Nigeria Army Band, Nigeria Army Intelligence Unit and other arms within the Force
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