Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah has officially taken over as the 11th General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army (NA), and Land Component Commander (LCC) Joint Task Force (South South) Operation DELTA SAFE. The handing and taking over ceremony, which took place at the Division Headquarters, Port Harcourt Barracks, marked the beginning of a new era for the Division.
During his maiden address, Emekah expressed optimism that the Division will surpass the Federal Government of Nigeria’s (FGN) target of 2.3 million barrels per day (bpd) in crude oil production. “We will not disappoint you. The task, we are not looking 2.3, we are looking at 2.5 million bpd so that even if we miss it, we will drop to 2.4 m bpd,” he said. This bold statement sets the tone for his tenure as GOC and demonstrates his commitment to achieving excellence.
Emekah also emphasized the importance of welfare to personnel and their families, reassuring that welfare under his watch will be prioritized appropriately. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by troops and their families, and promised to ensure that their welfare is taken care of. This commitment to welfare is crucial in boosting the morale of troops and enhancing their performance.
The new GOC also congratulated his predecessor, Major General Abdussalam, on his new appointment and thanked him for his leadership. He described Abdussalam as his mentor and praised his leadership qualities, adding that he will always seek his guidance. This gesture of appreciation and respect demonstrates Emekah’s commitment to building on the successes of his predecessor and maintaining a positive relationship with him.
In his farewell address, the outgone GOC, Major General Abdussalam, charged troops to redouble their efforts in ensuring that criminal elements are eliminated in the region, creating a conducive atmosphere for more improvement in oil production. He reiterated that 6 Division is the custodian of the nation’s critical infrastructure, which is the crude oil, and as such, “we must strive and shun the miscreants who sabotage our efforts to make our nation better from our communities for whatever we do affect even our kinsmen in our localities”.
Abdussalam also expressed his appreciation to the COAS for the opportunity to serve in the elite 6 Division, NA, and urged troops to give their maximum support to the new GOC. He informed troops of the COAS welfare packages for their betterment and that of their families, which include accommodation, military kits, combat enablers, massive infrastructural development, healthcare amongst several others. He concluded that to whom much is given, much is also expected, as such they must reciprocate accordingly.
Major General Emekah brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having held significant command, staff, and instructional appointments, including Commander of the 707 Special Forces Brigade and Commander of the 17 Brigade, Katsina. He is a member of the 42 Regular Course of the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy and holds a Masters Degree in National Security and War Studies from National Defence University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
The handing and taking over ceremony was attended by senior military officers, dignitaries, and other stakeholders. The highlights of the ceremony included the signing of the handing and taking over notes, decoration of the new GOC with the Division’s insignia, handing over of the Division’s Flag, presentation and inspection of Quarter Guards, as well as group photographs.