Big Boots: Lessons from my Military Experience

Book Reviewer: Prof. Charles Obot

Book Title: Big Boots: Lessons from my Military Experience

Author: Major General Solomon Udounwa (Rtd.)
Pagination: 392 + pp i – xxiv
Year of Publication: 2024
Printers: Yaliam Press Limited
Foreword
In his foreword to the book, Lieutenant General Theophilus Danjuma (Rtd.), GCON acknowledged that Solomon Udounwa, then a major, was his Aide-De-Camp when he (the former) was the Minister of Defense. Lieutenant General Danjuma noted that the book – ‘Major General Solomon Udounwa (Rtd.), Big Boots: Lessons from my Military Experience’ is a personal story, drawn from his recollection of events and military records and it contains useful lessons for military leaders who grapple with the complexity of modern warfare.
He recalled that Udounwa was one of the three officers nominated by the Nigerian Army in 2001 for appointment as his Aide-De-Camp and that when the three nominees appeared before him for interview, he did not have any difficulty choosing Solomon Udounwa to work with as his Aide. Danjuma testified that Udounwa lived up to expectations and rose to the high echelons of the military leadership and made profound impact wherever he served.
In his Preface, the Author – Major General Solomon Udounwa said that the main reason for writing the book was to “share my experience in the military, which I believe could inspire present and future generations of service men and women. I believe that my 32 years in the military have packed enough encounters in command, leadership and administration of diverse personnel in several units to make it an interesting reading… Many of the narrations in this book are based on personal recollection of events, as corroborated by some of my friends, classmates, course mates and colleagues who were part of my journey at different times.”  He pointed out that “book about the military is often a balancing act for the author between what is classified information that should not be shared with the public and what is permissible for general knowledge. “Therefore, he had to walk that tightrope, striking a delicate balance, without the book losing its essence.”
Acknowledgements: The Author expressed his gratitude to everyone – family members, military officers/personnel, military and personal aides and everyone who played any role in his life, career and the making of the book.
List of Acronyms: Acronyms contained in the book are recorded and given what they stand for.
Introduction: The author confessed to having “big feet” while growing up. The unwieldy look of his feet attracted bullies to him during his elementary school days. While these big feet became an issue at home as well, he decided to use them to call off the bluff of his biggest and strongest classmate who always took pleasure in bullying him. He defeated his assailant in a fight and from that day onward, his big feet saved him and he bought his freedom. When he joined the Army in 1986 more than a decade after this incident, he was issued a big pair of boots to match his big feet. They became an extra weapon to confront all forms of bullies in the society. He gave credit to his elder brother who obtained the entrance forms for the Nigerian Defence Academy for him. When he was commissioned as an artillery officer in the Nigerian Army in September, 1991, his first Unit was 332 Field Artillery Regiment, Shendan, Plateau State. Barely a year in the unit, he was deployed to Liberia as part of the Nigerian contingent to the Economic Community of West African States monitoring group (ECOMOG) – a Regional Force to restore peace to the war – torn country. He confessed that “nothing excites a young subaltern as combat”.  He said that he relished the adventure in Liberia with three tours of duty that lasted for 24 months. 
On return to Nigeria he was posted as a Staff Officer in 31 Field Artillery Brigade Headquarters, Minna. It was in Minna that he met his beautiful wife – Arit in 1998 and had their first daughter – Emem there. He was moved to Kontagora in 1999 where he was deployed as Instructor in the Artillery School, in the Tactics Wing of the School. It was there that he got his first-extra regimental appointment as Aide-De-Camp to the Minister of Defence in 2001. That appointment, he confessed, became a turning point in his career – broadening his perspective beyond the military and laying the foundation for his better understanding of national security. His second child – Mfon came while serving at the Ministry of Defence. He departed Nigeria in September 2006 for his Master of Laws degree programme at the University of Westminster, London.
His third child – Ubong was born on his return to Nigeria after completion of his Master of Laws degree at the University of Westminster, London. He got his first Command appointment in March 2009 as Commanding Officer 312 Artillery Regiment, Kaduna. “There is probably no more satisfying appointment for a military officer than that of a commanding officer, the enormous powers and command authority confer great advantage to make a change. He spent nine months as Commanding Officer during which he was promoted to Colonel and posted to the Artillery School as Chief Instructor, locating wing – his second tour of duty as an instructor. This time, the school had moved from Kontagora back to its original location in Kachia, Kaduna State.
In January 2011, he was posted to the NDA, Kaduna as Chief Instructor, Army Wing. “By stroke of luck, when I reported to the Academy, I was redeployed as Cadets Brigade Commander (CBC) – an appointment beyond my rank at the time. I served in an acting capacity as CBC for 14 months, until 2012.
In June 2012, he left Nigeria for the third time for studies, this time, at the United States Army War College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. On return in June 2013, he was posted to 35 Artillery Brigade, Abeokuta where he spent only 3 months before deployment to Army Headquarters for the third time and appointed as the Military Assistant to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). He served three COAS in different capacities, namely Military Assistant, Principal Staff Officer and Chief of Staff to the COAS. Udounwa is the only military officer who has held all three positions with three different principals.
In August 2015, he was posted to the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations as Defence Adviser. While in New York, he enrolled at the prestigious Harvard School for the Senior Executive Programme in National and International Security. After three years of diplomatic service, he returned to Nigeria in 2018 and was appointed Director of Policy at Army Headquarters of Policy and Plans (DAPP). A year later, he was appointed Deputy Chief of Policy and Plans in the same Department. From there to the Army War College as Commandant.
The final stretch of his military service was his return to Army Headquarters where he served as Principal Staff Officer of the Department of Special Services and Programmes (DSSP) – charged with the responsibility of managing Army’s hospitality and agricultural businesses. After a year there, he was posted to his last military assignment as Chief of Defence Training and Operations in January 2023. In all, he spent 32 years as a commissioned officer in the Nigerian Army. In all of those years, his military boots have gone with him wherever he went – from 2nd Lieutenant in the Artillery Unit to (Major) General.
My Roots
The author recounts the story of his birth on 27th July, 1969 in war-devastated village of Nung Udoe – a rural hamlet of less than 2,000 people at that time. Born two years into a devastating war, Solomon Udounwa recalled how his mum carried him in her womb and trekked to the makeshift health facility to be delivered of him. On her way, she passed soldiers of Federal Troops who were fighting the Biafran forces.
Soon after his birth, he developed a severe medical condition commonly called whooping cough that was neither diagnosed early or its cause determined.
Nung Udoe: My Village
Nung Udoe is one of the 41 villages within Ibesikpo Clan. Its lineage is traced to Chief Asikpo Nnakanda from Usakedet. Chief Usakedet’s two prominent sons – Uruan and Ibesikpo were among his many children. One of Ibesikpo’s brothers – Asutan, became the founder of the neighbouring Asutan Ekpe Clan.
The Author also wrote about “Atara Abam: My Beloved Father.” He traced the royal heritage of his father – Chief Effiong Udounwa. His father’s legacies in the Christian faith from Qua Iboe Mission (QIM), to Ibesikpo United Church and to the Lutheran Church as well as his commitment to community service, successful business man, philanthropist, politician.
“Afia Eyen”: A Mother from Heaven
His mother – Tity was from a royal family. Her father Chief Etokowo Udo Ntuen was the village head of Nung Udoe and reigned for 30 years. His mother was both a successful trader/business woman and farmer and was generous. She also committed herself to evangelism and held several leadership positions in Lutheran Church, including the Church Council.
She hated injustice with a passion. She was hospitable, particularly supportive of widows. The author also shared the fond times/memories he had with his siblings, cousins, and others.
He recalls the death of his father on 15th July, 1987 a year after enrolling at the NDA and his mum on 11th November, 2011.
Obong Ifiok: Early Signs of Greatness
Solomon Udounwa had his early education – primary school at Lutheran Primary School, Nung Udoe in September, 1973 at age 4. At primary school, the discipline inculcated in him at home was greatly enforced. His excellent performance in primary school at the National Common Entrance Examination made his father’s friends to nickname him “Obong Ifiok” (Wise king).
Okop Ndua Erong: High School Adventure
Academic excellence exhibited in the primary school continued in the high school. He had near-death experience in the nearby village-stream, but was miraculously rescued. The students’ riot in the school led to the closure of the school. The surcharge and stringent conditions for re-admission made his father to move him to another school – Lutheran High School – Obot Idim to continue in class three.
Obot Idim: Ready for the Next Phase
His promising stay at the Lutheran High School, Obot Idim was almost marred by the repeated bullying by his course mates. This made him to abandon the dormitory with the resultant absenteeism from classes. After graduation, he desired to study medicine in the University, but this desire could not be realized because he did not have the required JAMB score to be admitted to study medicine. Instead, he was given admission to study Physics.
Shut the Gate: First Contact with Soldiers
While at Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene to pursue his “A” Level programme, his elder brother procured the form for him to enrol in the NDA 38 Regular Course. He reluctantly agreed after his brother told him that he could still fulfill his dream of becoming medical doctor in the Army.
After one postponement, the entrance examination eventually held on April 12, 1986.
The Beginning of Military Adventure
Golden Eaglet: The Selection Interview
Having scaled through the entrance examination, the next phase was the selection. The author did not know that he had passed the exam until about two weeks after when he went to Federal Government College – Ikot Ekpene to pack his belongings having lost interest in continuing with his “A” Level there because of the strong conviction of passing the entrance examination, in addition to other reasons. It was there that students told and congratulated him for his success at the  Army examination.
The interview began with medical tests, followed by physical examination, credentials screening, psychological tests, written aptitude test and a 3.2 km run as well as sand model exams. At the end of the oral interview as he was leaving the room, the Chairman of the Armed Forces Selection Board, Brigadier General Mamman Kontagora followed him closely and said “Golden Eaglet well done for a brilliant outing”. The author was handed over to an Army Captain to be looked after when he reports for training. After the instruction, the Chairman returned to the boardroom.
“Cadet Fat Nose”: Training for Generalship
‘When the result of the selection was published in the Nigerian Chronicle, the author’s name was number 3 in the list of successful candidates from Cross River State. They were directed to report to the NDA on Sunday September 7, 1986.
Training at the NDA lasted for five years. The mission of NDA is to “develop in officer cadets, qualities of leadership, character and intellect through military training and education”. The author graduated in 1990 with 2nd Class Lower Honours from the Biological Sciences Department which he opted for because there was no Medicine/Surgery programme.
Apart from the rigorous military training, difficult seniors branded the junior ones with derogatory names such as “crabs, stones and clams. These were given to every set of first-year cadets, and some first year cadets were given unique tags. The unique names could be derived from “Cadet’s attitude, movement or even physical features and appearance”. For example, the author was nicknamed “cadet fat nose” by a senior cadet.
“Fire Eater”: Subaltern Unleashed
Having graduated among the top 10 in the class and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. The author was given the right to choose which of the corps in Nigerian Army to serve. He chose the Artillery Corps because of its elite status and many opportunities for foreign trainings it offers as well as opportunity to take after his was hero – Napoleon Bonaparte.
Accordingly, he was posted to the 332 Artillery Regiment located in Shendam, Plateau State. In December, 1991, three months, after reporting at the Unit, Headquarters 3 Division was selected by the Army Headquarters as host of the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference. The author was one of the few young officers to attend the conference, which was always attended by the top leadership of the Army.
During the conference, opportunity was given after the opening ceremony for contributions on how to improve the training of cadets at the NDA. Though the moderator ignored his raised hand, General Sani Abacha – Minister of Defence who represented President Ibrahim Babangida had already noticed his raised hand and directed: “Give that Fire Eater the microphone”.  Taking advantage of the rare but risky opportunity, the author spoke about how “cadet training has been seriously affected by undue interference from parents and guardians who wanted their wards to be treated with kid gloves, most culpable parents were senior military officers, some of whom were present in the hall as he spoke. He ended that the standard of training in NDA would continue to decline as long as senior military officers did not give senior cadets, instructors and staff of the Academy the free him to train cadets.
At Young Officers Courses and Anti-tank Platoon Commanders Course the author obtained a “B” Grade.
ECOMOG: From Freeport to Buchanan
After nearly three days at sea, the Nigerian Troupe comprising the author arrived in Freeport, Monrovia and launched into battle that was ongoing in several parts of the Liberian capital. While in ECOMOG operations, the author distinguished and acquitted himself in Artillery. He was instrumental to some of the successes ECOMOG recorded in its operation in Liberia. This was his first combat experience. He earned positive annual reports and recommendation for promotion by his commanders. He returned to Nigeria in 1995.
Minna: Lifeline of Mentorship
The author was posted from ECOMOG to Headquarters Battery, 31 Artillery Brigade, Minna as Troop Commander. After few weeks in Minna, he proceeded to the Infantry Centre and School, Jayi, Kaduna for the Infantry Young Officers Course. At the end of the three months course, he graduated top of his class with a B Grade. During the course, he was promoted to the rank of Captain and decorated by the Commandant.
No Margin for Error: Encounter with the Head of State
The author recounts his redeployment experience from 31 Artillery Brigade Headquarters in Minna to the State House Battery in Abuja in 1997. The redeployment brought the author to the centre stage of state-sponsored ECOWAS event where under-performance, non-professionalism, and extenuating circumstances orchestrated by the author’s predecessors on the parade ground cause the author and other troops to be humiliated by the Head of State, General Sani Abacha. The author later redeemed himself and the reputation of the Artillery Corp by putting up excellent gun salute performance which attracted the admiration of military personnel that were present at the parade, except for General Sani Abacha who felt slighted by the previous mediocre gun salute. Thus, buttressing General Sani Abacha’s guest for perfection and intolerance for error even if the error margin is little, or insignificant. This exerts pressure on the author and motivated him to think of a way out of the presidency. His captain – major promotion examination came to the rescue by providing an escape route from an environment the author considered to be too perfectionist and allergic to little error margin.
Quest to be a Lawyer: A Dream Aborted
The author recount his nursed ambition and the frantic efforts he had made in view of earning a degree in law which ended in futility due to lack of official authorization from military institution, infrequent attendance at lectures imposed by long distance due to relocation to Kontagora, and policy directive from National Universities Commission (NUC) to discontinue distance learning programme for law degrees.
Kontagora: Training Young Gunners
The author recounts his experiences after reporting to Kontagora Barracks in 1999 and the events that followed after being deployed as an instructor in Gunnery.  The author dwells on his marital events and circumstances that ensued the marriage which include delivery of their first child, disagreements borne out of poor communication, and the bliss of child naming. The author also tells stories of how he enrolled in military trainings and courses in preparation for promotion from captain to major rank and how the efforts he put in saw to his graduation as best students among his cohort in order of merit by obtaining a ‘B’ grade. A performance considered rare in the history of the staff college. This attracted commendations of his peers, superior officers, and instructors. Few months afterwards, the author was promoted to the rank of a Major. A rank the author acknowledged to have been premeditated by divine order, embodiment of values emulated from patriotic military personnel, and the Young Officers Course as a launch pad.
III
RECOLLECTIONS OF AN AIDE-DE-CAMP
The Interview: Face to Face with a Living Legend
The author recounts his suspense-filled experiences at the office of the Principal General Staff Officer to the then Honourable Minister of Defence, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma. The author recollects how the suspense surrounding his summon at the Ministry of Defence ended up being his official interview for an appointment as Aide-de-Camp for the then Honourable Minister of Defence on grounds of merit.
T. Y. Danuma: A General and a Statesman
In this segment, the author introduces General T. Y. Danjuma as a Military egg head and statesman that attracted global and local reputation due to his patriotic service to his country. During his tenure as Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army and Minster of Defence which spanned more than two decades, the author portrays General Danjuma as someone who is imbued with leadership potentials and exudes unwavering relevance in the Nigerian public service and political landscape as well as being a strong advocate against corruption. The author also introduces General Danjuma as a successful and dedicated businessman and a philanthropist after his retirement from active military service. The unseen sides of General Danjuma as a jovial, kind, forgiving, jolly good fellow, an accommodating, and a committed personality to those around him are also narrated by the author. In addition, the author reveals the General’s frank, stern, controversial, bold, and frontal approach at addressing issues of national insecurity, terrorism, banditry, and ethnic cleansing. The author ends this section by introducing General Danjuma as a mediator, peace lover and a straight forward person in diverse contexts.
Dread Turf: Conversations on Coups
The author recounts his arduous attempts at getting General Danjuma to talk about the various coup de’tats that have plunged Nigeria’s democratic dispensations of which the General’s involvements were linked to, directly and indirectly. The attempts are futile and yield sketchy result of which the author was not satisfied. This confirms to the author, that issues bordering on coup plots and executions were dreaded topics even the General refused to comment on.
Bakassi: Defending Nigeria’s Interest
In this section, the author acknowledges the key roles that General Danjuma played in resolving Nigeria’s boundary dispute with Cameroun over Bakassi Peninsula.
No Biafran Pounds: Lessons in Statecraft
The author recounts the intrigues and impending war that loomed between Nigeria and Cameroun should the judgement of the International Court of Justice be perceived by either of the country as controversial over the ceding of Bakassi Peninsula. The roles played by the then United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, to seek urgent diplomatic resolution to the boundary issue are highlighted.
The author also x-rays the French Government’s interference in the Nigeria – Cameroun border disputes which was brought to an end by President Obasanjo’s application of statecraft in mandating General Danjuma to send panic messages to the headquarters of French companies operating in Nigeria on the possibility of nationalising their assets should their government refused to steer clear from interfering in the border issue. The author recounts the sacrifice General Danjuma made to ensure the success of the mission which heralded French Government’s withdrawal from the Bakassi border dispute.
Bakassi: The Judgement and its Implementation
In this segment, the author dwells on the judgment delivered by the International Court of Justice that Cameroon held sovereignty over the Bakassi Peninsula while the disputed towns and villages along the land boundary were awarded to either country by reason of previous demarcation agreement. The author Chronicles that both countries did not only accept the rulings of the International Court but were very intentional in implementing the agreement at Green Tree, New York in June 2006 which effectively ended the dispute and engendered peaceful co-existence between the two countries. The author also maintains that the implementation of the judgement which ceded Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon soon had ripple adverse effects and implications such as resettlement crisis, forced relocation, misplacement, disintegration and loss of ancestral heritage of the people who once resided in the Bakassi Peninsula.
The Convoy: Lessons in Modesty
The author presents General Danjuma as one of the wealthiest people in Nigeria but cloaked or draped in modesty and purged himself of luxurious lifestyle, materialism as well as flamboyancy.
Takum: Relics of a Humble Beginning
The author recounts General Danjuma’s humble beginning and post-military business adventures from shipping, fishing, farming, banking, oil and gas, insurance, manufacturing, and real estate.
Duty of Care: Lessons in Kindness
In this segment, General Danjuma’s kindness and generosity are brought to bear. The author sees those virtues/gestures as what shaped his world view and interactions with others.
Above Board: Lessons in Transparency and accountability
The author, using personal experiences he had in London and General Danjuma’s intervention, recounts the valuable lessons bordering on accountability and transparency, especially when dealing with other people’s money, in addition to the author’s personal experiences of accountability and transparency with public funds.
End of Duty Tour: Disembarking the Ship House
The author recounts how his appointment as ADC to General Danjuma finally came to an end due to the author’s intended senior staff course at the Defence Services Command and Staff College in MirPur, Bangladesh, in March 2003 almost two months to the end of tenure of the General as the Minister of Defence.


IV
THE MID CAREER YEARS
Bangladesh: Time for Next Adventure
In this section, the author takes the reader on an excursion to what he encountered during his Senior Staff Course at the prestigious Defence Services Command and Staff College (DDCSC) in Dhaka, MirPur, Bangladesh in March 2003. He recounts how he was exposed to force planning, intelligence, logistics, staff duties, researches, and tactics which expanded his theoretical knowledge through indoor and outdoor classroom instructions and practical exercises during the one-year intensive military course.
Owerri: The Eastern Heartland
The author recounts his experiences during a three-month course at the Battery Commanders’ Course at the School of Artillery, Kontagora, upon his return from a one-year intensive military course in Bangladesh in March 2004. He recounts his experiences sequel to his posting to Artillery Headquarters and subsequently to 34 Artillery Brigade Headquarters as General Staff Officer Grade 2 in charge of training and operations upon completion of the three-month course. The author recollects his sacrifices, contributions, and strategic military interventions while serving at the 34 Brigade Headquarters which led to his promotion to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
University of Westminster: A Dream Revived
In this section, the author recounts how his two-year stay at the 34 Artillery Brigade came to an end with a new posting to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, as Staff Officer Grade One in charge of coordination in June 2006. He recounts how his chance encounter at an educational fair organised by representative of UK universities in Port Harcourt reignited his long-dormant dream of becoming a lawyer while serving in Owerri. The educational fair, in the estimation of the author, opened the window to his pursuits of postgraduate degree in International Law at the University of Westminster which he graduated with distinction and secured Oxford University Press Prize for best student in International Law. Perhaps actualizing his lifelong dream.
Image Maker: A Stint with Army Public Relations
The author recounts how his return from the University of Westminster in London to Nigeria in August 2007, his postings to Army Headquarters Department of Army Standards and Evaluation (DASE) as Assistant Director for Combat Readiness and sustainability, Directorate of Army Public Relations in February 2008 brought the burdens of reputation management, image building, media relations, and perception management of the Nigerian Army on his shoulders.


Kalapanzin Barracks: My First Command
The author narrates how his stay at the Directorate of Army Public Relations came to an end in April, 2009 sequel to his first commanding experiences as a result of his posting to 312 Artillery Regiment as a Commanding Officer at Kalapanzin Barracks in February 2008. He recollects the daunting challenges he encountered in putting the barracks in shape and restoring it to its former glory.
Shock: Murder at Midnight
The author recounts the tragic event that occurred barely two weeks after taking over command where a soldier named Pte. (Private) Mohammed shot a civilian dead at a garden bar at the slightest provocation. The author acknowledges the event as the most different period of his stay as Commanding Officer at the Kalapanzin Barracks (312 Artillery Regiment).
Legacy: Nine Months of Transformation 
The author acknowledged his significant impact in transforming the lives of soldiers (and their relatives) during his nine-month commanding responsibilities at the Kalapanzin Barracks. Some of the achievements the author boasts of as his major achievements and legacies at the barracks include: establishment of sources of funds for the barracks; renovation of soldiers’ accommodation, renovating of officers’ mess, reconstruction of the sewage system, construction of a new accommodation block for 48 families, renovation of worship centres, construction of perimeter fence, improved personnel welfare, renovation of sporting facilities, among others. He acknowledged that these legacies and achievement counted greatly to his promotion to colonel while in Command.
Kachia: Back to Familiar Turf
The author recollects how he was posted, in December of 2009, to the Nigerian Army School of Artillery as Chief Instructor, locating Wing which marked his return to Kachia where he had already served as an instructor.
Nostalgia: The Cadets Brigade Commander
The author recounts his return to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as Chief Instructor, Army Wing which to him was a dream realised.
V
THE CARLISLE EXPERIENCE
The Unexpected Call: Time for another Adventure
The author recounts how he was called upon to attend Senior Service War College and the hurdles he had to scale through, to make this dream a reality. He narrates how his usual academic excellence placed him at a vantage point of being nominated to attend the United States Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
No Bliss in Root Hall: Professional Military Education at its Best
In this segment, the author provides expositions on the reputation of the United States War College and attempts to x-ray the objectives of the war college which include: providing high quality professional military education at the strategic level; conducting research, publishing, engaging in discourse, and war game; conducting strategic leadership development programme; and recruiting, developing, and retaining a high-quality faculty and staff. He acknowledges the quality of training, special programmes and military skills he acquired from the War College during his studentship.
The Neights and Gilpin: New Found Family
The author expresses the bond he had with Gary and Emma Neights, his sponsors, during his studentship at the United States War College. He equally expresses similar affectionate gratitude to Dr. Clemia Gilpin who served as his community sponsor and tour guide during his stay in America.
Carlisle: In the Bowels of the Cumberland Valley
The author dwells on the warm, hospitable, and survival nature and cultural experience of the Carlisle community which endeared him to the community and gave him a sense of belongingness.
No Place like Home: A Bagful of memories
Upon arriving Nigeria after the Senior Service War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, United States of America, the author relishes on the fond and pleasurable memories of America which to him was academically fulfilling and culturally rewarding. He proceeded on disembarkation leave and was later posted to 35 Artillery Brigade Abeokuta as Chief of Staff before returning to Abuja.
VI
IN THE CORRIDORS OF ARMY POWER
Ihejirika: A Man of Ideas
The author recounts how he was called to attend an interview that would see his appointment as Military Assistant to the then Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Onyeabo Azubuike Ihejirika, few weeks of assuming duties at 35 Artillery Brigade, Abeokuta as Chief of Staff. This unexpected turn of events changed the author’s life in significant ways. Beyond the excitement of assuming duties as the Military Assistant to the Chief of Army Staff, the author, using his personal experience with and close observation of the Service Chief, portrays the Service Chief as a strategic military leader whose application of strategic military intelligence saw to the restructuring of the Nigerian Army.
The author considers the Service Chief as possessing boundless energy, innovative thinking, and relentless initiatives.
Minimah: Turning the Tide against Terrorism
In this segment, the author shifts his attention to Lieutenant General Kenneth Minimah whose assumption of duties as the 19th Chief of Army Staff on January 20, 2014 was remarkable in tackling the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East.
Buratai: Rebirth of the Nigerian Army
The author recollects his two-year experiences while serving in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff and the eventualities that surrounded his three appointments in the office before it. Gen. Buratai assumed office as Chief of Army Staff on July 16, 2015. The author narrates how he vacated the Office of the Chief of Army Staff for an appointment in New York as Defence Advisers on August 18, 2015. He x-rays the security challenges that ambushed the 20th COAS upon assumption of duties and how he managed to steer the Nigerian Army through the theatres of conflicts that devilled the nation. The author provides expositions on Lt. Gen. Buratai’s military  strategies, initiativs, innovations, and aggressions which brought insurgency in the North East to a halt thereby signaling the rebirth of the Nigerian Army.
VII
THE MILITARY DIPLOMAT
The Big Apple: A City with Endless Possibilities
The author takes the reader through his expeditions as Nigeria’s Defence Adviser in New York which began in early 2015. He narrates how he approached and subtly persuaded the then Chief of Army Staff to be posted to New York as a Military Diplomat and the procedural hurdles and obstacles he had crossed to bring such ambition to fruition. He further recollects his diplomatic strides, adventures, experiences, expectations, responsibilities, and challenges while serving as a military diplomat at Nigeria House, New York.
Nigeria in the United Nations: A Rallying Point
The author, in this segment, exposes reader(s) to Nigeria’s image and reputation in the United Nations (UN), which he attested as being at an all-time high, due in part to the sterling diplomatic leadership of Amb. Joy Ogwu. The author also dwells on the leadership Nigeria displayed during their presidency of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the month of August in 2015. The author affirms that during this period, Nigeria passed landmark resolutions, made presidential statements, held open thematic debates on regional organisations and contemporary challenge to global security, held briefings and fruitful discussions on security sector reforms, as well as sponsor deliberative dialogue under the agenda item of peace and security in Africa. The author also relishes on Nigeria’s strong presence and leadership in UN C-34 committee – a special UN General Assembly Committee that reviewed and provided recommendations on UN peacekeeping operations. 
Search for Peace: Strengthening Nigeria’s Peacekeeping Profile
In this segment, the author emphasizes Nigeria’s strongest credentials at the UN which he considered to be anchored on the nation’s contributions to UN Peacekeeping operations around the world. The author considers peacekeeping initiative as the most significant image booster for Nigeria at the UN. This development, according to the author, soon took a downward trend as the upsurge of Boko Haram and its attendant internal security challenges within Nigeria soon orchestrated repatriation of Nigerian troops from foreign peacekeeping missions to enforce internal security and peace. The author recounts how his ingenuity, interventions, and persuasive attempts to military authorities in Nigeria to generate more troops for deployment in peacekeeping mission halted further repatriation of troops which revived Nigeria’s presence in UN peacekeeping. The author also takes the reader(s) through the enormous challenges that beset Nigeria’s peacekeeping contingent in concerned states of interest.
One Big Fight: Curbing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in UN Missions
The author brings to limelight Nigeria’s enormous initiatives and contributions to curbing the scourge of sexual exploitation and abuse of civilians in theatres of conflict by UN peacekeeping contingent. The author reveals that sexual exploitation and abuse was a daunting challenge in peacekeeping missions with series of cases involving Nigerian peacekeepers which overwhelmed his disciplinary effort while serving as the Defence Adviser. He acknowledges the advocacy role Nigeria played by lending voice to calls to improve pre-deployment training on sexual exploitation and abuse for troops to be deployed for peacekeeping which came with mandatory certification upon completion.
AMPAC: Consolidating Africa’s Position on the Global Stage
In this segment, the author analyses the critical roles and responsibilities of the African Military and Police Advisers Community (AMPAC) in accentuating Africa’s military and police footprints in the UN, Military and Police Advisers Community (MPAC), and other international and inter-governmental organisations, particularly on peacekeeping matters. The author recollects how his assumption to the position of Dean of AMPAC helped him in providing direction and coordination of all AMPAC activities and engagement with external organizations as well as courtesy visits to key personalities in the UN so as to promote the community and broaden its engagement. 
Impact: Striving to Make a Difference
The author reveals how his tenure as Defence Adviser nearly came to an end barely nine months after assuming duty due in part to change of government/administration. He narrates how his visits to Abuja to challenge the recall process, divine intervention, sense of duty, and presidential intervention halted the recall saga as he continued to work till the end of his tenure at the UN in October 2018.
VIII
BACK TO ARMY HEADQUARTERS
Director of Policy: Strengthening the Army Institution
The author recounts how his posting to the Defence Headquarters, Directorate of Campaign Planning and his eventual appointment as Deputy Director (Land), upon his return from the UN, New York, was met with twists and turns till he eventually settled at the Department of Army Policy and Plans as Director of Policy.
The author narrates how he shouldered the responsibility of coordinating and steering the Nigerian Army’s Policy landscape. He also recollects how the Department of Army Policy, under his leadership, bolstered the Army’s policy expertise through organizing seminars, symposia and local/international conferences as well as coordinating the Army’s research needs.
Deputy Chief of Policy and Plans: The Seat of Coordination
The author narrates his administrative feats and responsibilities as the Deputy Chief of Policy and Plans and Director, Staff Duties (Dy COPP/ DSD) which include deputizing the Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP) and coordinating the duties and functions of staff in the Department, coordinating the COPP’s quarterly and annual conferences, foreign liaison, relationship with ministries, coordinating test evaluation of new equipment, taking custody of account for controlled stores, and preparing briefs.
Army War College, Nigeria: Training Future Leaders
The author gives an exploratory narratives on his expeditions, strides, responsibilities, challenges, and policy directions after assuming duties at the Nigeria’s Army War College as a Commandant on July22, 2020 – January, 2022.
An Unfamiliar Terrain: Managing Army Hospitality Business
The author exposes his experiences having been appointed as the first head of a newly established Department of Special Services and Programmes (DSSP) – an appointment he considered unexpected, unfamiliar, and ill-prepared for. He narrates how his poise and quest for quality leadership and service delivery equipped him to deliver on the assignments, responsibilities, and challenges that came with the new appointment.
IX
A NEW CHAPTER BECKONS
Last Post: Sojourn at Defence Headquarters
The author narrates his sojourn at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) having been appointed as the Chief of Defence Training and Operations (CDTOPS) by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, in January 2023. The author spells out his duties as CDTOPS at the DHQ which include coordination of the activities of the directorates (namely: training, operations, peacekeeping operations, physical training and sports, campaign planning, special operation forces, and intelligence and security); training and operational activities of the Army, Navy, and Airforce; sustaining Armed Forces Partnership with key allies; etc.
The author reflects on how he transformed his department within the shortest time he had before retirement by improving personnel welfare, infrastructural development and facelifts, and inspiring younger officers for future leadership.
Retirement: A New Phase of Adventure
The author reflects on critical moments that surrounded his retirement having served the Nigerian Army for 32 years (September 1991 – June, 2023). He characterises those moments as admixture of excitement and anxiety. The author recollects some of the challenging changes that come with retirement including loss of status and the privileges of the offices he once occupied while in active service. He emphasizes that such could weigh someone down, instigate feelings of low self-esteem as well as losing support system but he was optimistic for what the future holds after meeting with Gen. T Y. Danjuma to discuss his post-service fate.
Testimonials: A Toast to Service
The author dwells on the series of concerns that friends, families, relatives, and colleagues expressed toward him having heard of the news of the appointment of new Service Chiefs which necessitated the untimely retirement of the author. The author explores, reflects, and shares some of the testimonials of his excellent service to the armed forces and the entire nation upon his retirement from active service. The author recollects his last official event in the military which was on December 19, 2023.  When the Nigerian Army organised a regimental dinner in honour of retiring and retired generals in Abuja.  The author narrates the high point of the event which was the presentation of certificate of military service to all the retirees and a personal letter of appreciation from the Chief of Army Staff.
Afterword
In this segment, the author, using a lunch ‘date’ he had with his daughter who was transitioning to early adulthood as an anecdote, offers sound advice to anyone transiting from a regular job to life in retirement. The advice he offers is that concerned person(s) should pay rapt attention to his/ her/ their faith, health, finances, self-improvements, friendship, humanitarianism/ volunteerism, and good citizenship.  From his experience in retirement, he emphasizes that life in retirement could be much easier if the retiree(s) paid attention to the concepts listed above as they are the significant issues at the core of human existence.
The author concludes by exploring the numerous security challenges that beset Nigeria and the onerous tasks that government is to play to politically address those challenges. In the face of prevailing national security challenges and threats that defy political solution, the author outlines the mitigating role of a soldier to quelling such threats without bias, sentiments, and partnership but with devotion, courage, character, discipline and reliances on training, experience, and education. He ends by reiterating his commitment to service till the last breath as he considers it a “disservice to the country he loves so much to stay idly and watch while the Big Boots gather dust.”