SPECIAL COMBINED CHRISTIAN AND MUSLIM SERVICE HELD TO PRAY AND WELCOME NEW COMMANDER 14 BRIGADE
*SPECIAL COMBINED CHRISTIAN AND MUSLIM SERVICE HELD TO PRAY AND WELCOME NEW COMMANDER 14 BRIGADE*
A special combined Christian and Muslim service was held at Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks, Ohafia, Abia State, to pray for and formally welcome the newly appointed Commander, 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmad Mansur Dikko. The spiritually uplifting programme was conducted in an atmosphere of worship, unity, and intercession.
The Christian service took place at the All Souls Military Church and commenced with the First Lesson from Joshua 1:1–16, read by the Chief of Staff, 14 Brigade, Colonel MS Maaji. This was followed by a soul-lifting ministration by the Combined Band, which rendered “Faith of Our Fathers.” The Second Lesson from Romans 8:31–39 was read by the Commander, 14 Brigade Garrison, Lieutenant Colonel AA Ango, after which intercessory prayers were offered. The Combined Christian Women Fellowship also ministered during the service.
In his welcome address, the officiating priest, Reverend Captain Yusuf Ishaya, conveyed the greetings of the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Ahmad Mansur Dikko, who was unavoidably absent, to the Chief of Staff Colonel MS Maaji, 14 Brigade Garrison Commander, Lieutenant Colonel AA Ango, senior officers, soldiers, and their families. He explained that the service was organized to pray for and welcome the new Commander, a leader who believes strongly that every assignment should begin with prayers.
The sermon, titled “Commissioned to Conquer,” was delivered by Captain (Ven) Yusuf Ishaya, with Numbers 31:49 as the Bible text. He emphasized the importance of prayers, unity, and collective support in ensuring successful, peaceful, and prosperous leadership.
A special prayer session was later conducted for the Brigade Commander, represented by the Chief of Staff, Colonel MS Maaji, who led officers and soldiers to the altar for prayers.
Delivering the Commander’s remarks, Colonel Maaji thanked the congregation for their prayers and support. He explained that the Commander’s absence was due to exigencies of ongoing clearance operation as commenced with momentum. He read the Commander’s message, by stating that Brigadier General Ahmad Mansur Dikko, the 18th Commander of 14 Brigade, reaffirmed his commitment to servant leadership, inclusiveness, and the improvement of welfare within the barracks, particularly in the areas of water supply, medical services, and empowerment of soldiers’ wives. He further stressed the importance of family support, prayers, and unity within the barracks community.
Colonel Maaji also testified to the Commander’s reliability and professional excellence, describing him as an outstanding instructor during senior and war courses, and urged the barracks community to give him maximum support. He assured the congregation that the entire proceedings of the service would be fully briefed to the Commander.
The Christian service concluded with the Doxology, bringing the spiritually enriching programme to a peaceful and reflective close.
In a similar development, Islamic prayers were held at the Corporal and Below Quarters Mosque, led by the Chief Imam, Maj HM Ilal- Amam to seek divine guidance, protection, and a successful tour of duty for the new Commander.
The Islamic prayer session was attended by the Commander, 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmad Mansur Dikko; the Commanding Officer, 143 Ranger Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel B Magaji; senior officers, officers, and soldiers of the Brigade. Fervent prayers were offered to welcome the brigade commander and also wish for success as he begin his tour of duty.
