By Eric Moore
THE new General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major-General Emmanuel Ejim, has pledged to surpass the 2.3million per day oil production target of the Federal Government.
Ejim made the vow with a promise to build on the achievements of his predecessor, Major-General Jamal Abdussalam, describing 6 Division as strategic to the country and the presidency.
The new GOC spoke on assumption of office at the 6 Division’s headquarters on Friday, after a brief handover ceremony, insisting that since crude oil remained the mainstay of the nation’s economy.
He declared that the 6 Division under his watch would continue to clampdown on economic saboteurs.
Ejim charged his officers to work hard to surpass the expectations by increasing oil production to 2.5million barrels per day.
He promised to lead by example, saying he would not be confined to his office but would be in the field with his troops.
He said: “We will not disappoint you. The task, we are not looking 2.3, we are looking at 2.5million bpd so that even if we miss it, we will drop to 2.4 m bpd.
“We are going to do our best, you have to tighten you belt, I am not the commander that sits in the office. I am not comfortable siting in office. I will be platoon commander to some of your units. I will be in the field.”
Major-General Ejim emphasised the importance of welfare for his subordinates and their families, saying it was key to the success of the division.
Ejim described his predecessor as his mentor, saying they had a cordial relationship dating back to their days at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
He praised Abdussalam’s leadership, saying he would always seek his guidance and resolve problems together.
Earlier, Abdussalam urged officers and troops to extend maximum cooperation, support and loyalty to his successor.
He expressed confidence in the ability of the new GOC to take the Division to greater heights, emphasising the importance of professionalism among officers and men of the Division.
At the parade ground, Abdussalam charged them to remain focused and avoid activities that could bring the Army to disrepute.
He thanked the troops for their dedication and hardwork, highlighting the Division’s achievements in safeguarding critical national infrastructure and ensuring sustained oil production.
He said: “Very shortly, I will hand over the Command of 6 Division to the incoming General Officer Commanding (GOC).
“I am here this morning to first of all thank all of you for all the good jobs that you have done throughout the period that I have been here as the GOC 6 Division.
“We have done a lot, because of all your dedication and hard work. You know our main aim of being in this place is to safeguard critical mational infrastructure and ensure sustenance of oil production for the benefits of our country.
“So far, oil production has continued to rise from about 1.2 to 1.4millions barrel per day in months back, to about 1.9m bpd. We have done well so far; but, we still have a long way to go.
“The target of the FG is for the country to be producing 2.3m bpd. But if you look at it, between 1.9m and 2.3m is very small, achievable and it is something that we all can achieve.”
He urged the troops to do more, specifically targeting illegal oil bunkerers, economic saboteurs, and criminals in their area of responsibility.
He emphasized the importance of shunning conivance with criminals and ensuring that all critical national infrastructure was safe.
He charged them to continue lifting the flag of 6 Division high; tightening their belts; re-dedicating themselves, and working hard to ensure the success of the Army.