The Minister of Defence Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd) whose birthday coincides with the nation’s Independence Day Anniversary has pledged continuous selfless service to the upliftment of the Country at all times.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mohammad Abdulkadri Special Assistant To The Minister of Defence on Media and Publicity.
General Magashi made the pledge in Abuja when his Military and Civilian aides co-led by the duo of the Principal General Staff Officer Brigadier General Mohammed Baba Habeeb Manu and the Special Adviser Technical Major General (rtd) Ahmed Tijani Jibrin converged on his residence to give him birthday surprises
The Defence Minister who had no premonition of the arrangement nor prepared for such birthday celebration returned from the Eagles Square after the National parade to meet a modestly decorated birthday cake in his living room and was disarmed with a well chorus rendition of happy birthday song.
The obviously surprised but impressed General was showered with gifts and encomiuns for his humility, simplicity and sincerity of purposeful leadership by the aides.
The short but colourful ceremony put the elated and relaxed Minister on the spot to bond, bend forth and backwards with all his personal staff like never before in obvious show of love and appreciation for the honour done him.
Exchange of banter laced with high sense of humour, humility and humane dispositions for which Magashi is well-known were freely on display..
All through photo session, an uncommon mutuality of interactions characteristic of father and beloved children made the day for the celebrant and the magashis.
In an emotion laden tone General Magashi re-stated his resolve to continue to sustain the momentum of legacies of selfless service to Nigeria and Nigerians.
To draw the curtain on the programme, the Minister appreciated all the aides by names in their numbers and lauded their initiatives as well as the myriad of the unexpected precious gifts presented to him.
