31st July, 2015
PHOTO: Reuters
Major General Chris Olukolade, the man who has been the spokesman of Nigeria’s military high command for several years, is set to retire from the Nigerian military.
He announced his retirement himself in Abuja today at the Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA), in Abuja. Olukolade had chaired the forum, but today handed over its leadership to the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Kabiru Aliyu.
Olukolade said he ought to have left the service since Nov 2014 when he applied for voluntary retirement but was not obliged by the Army Council which extended his stay on the grounds that it was not proper for him to go at that time.
He thanked members and their agencies for the support and understanding they accorded him while he chaired the forum since its formation in 2013.
He also solicited the same level of support for his successor.
He said the aim of the forum was to deepen the collaboration and understanding among the security and response agencies in information management and communication.
In his acceptance remark, the new Chairman of the forum, Commodore Kabiru Aliyu extolled the sterling leadership qualities of Olukolade which was the main pillar behind the successes recorded by the forum.
He assured the former Chairman of his determination to carry on from where he stopped and to even strive to move the forum to another level.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of Centre for Crisis Communication, retired Air Commodore Yusuf Anas also commended Olukolade for his positive contributions to national development.
The membership of FOSSRA is made up of spokespersons of Military, Security, Intelligence and Response agencies.