By Onwa Ekor
The 13 Brigade Akim Army Barracks in Calabar has been renamed Ibrahim Attahiru Barracks in honour of the late 21st Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru.
Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, who was Special Guest of Honour at the ceremony, described the renaming as a solemn national obligation to immortalise an extraordinary patriot whose life was defined by courage and selfless service.
Otu, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, said: “Today, as we officially rename Akim Barracks as Ibrahim Attahiru Barracks, we open a new chapter in the history of the Nigerian Army and our nation’s military heritage.”
He said the honour was timely and deserving, noting that although Attahiru’s tenure as COAS was tragically brief, his impact was enduring.
“General Attahiru epitomised the finest traditions of soldiering.
“He assumed leadership at a challenging period in our nation’s security history and brought
renewed strategic direction, operational vigour, discipline and purpose to counter-terrorism and internal security operations,” Otu said.
The governor said naming the home of 13 Brigade after him would ensure his exemplary life and ultimate sacrifice continue to inspire officers and soldiers.
He charged personnel of the barracks to live up to the name, upholding the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, loyalty and selfless service.
“You must remain vigilant, disciplined, professional and responsive to the security demands of your operational environment,” he said.
Otu assured the Armed Forces of continued support for welfare, training, equipment and modernisation of military infrastructure, and commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waili Shaibu, for the initiative.
The Chief of Army Staff, who announced the renaming on Tuesday at a ceremony attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede and the widow of the late Army chief, Mrs Fati Attahiru, said the decision was to immortalise an officer whose career exemplified courage, professionalism and commitment to national service.
“Although his promising tenure and life was tragically cut short, his commitment to duty and the ideals he championed continue to resonate,” Shaibu said.
He said the renaming would serve as a reminder to serving and future generations of the values of courage, integrity, discipline and selfless service, and urged the Brigade Commander to reflect Attahiru’s values in conduct and community relations.
Mrs Attahiru thanked the Army for honouring her husband.
“Renaming this barracks after my husband is a profound honour to our family as it is comforting to know that his service, sacrifices and dedication to Nigeria have not been forgotten,” she said.
Attahiru died in a military aircraft crash in Kaduna on May 21, 2021, alongside 10 other officers.
