Army begins promotion exercise for 1,115 warrant officers in Rivers

A total of 1,115 candidates are participating in the 2026 Warrant Officers–Master Warrant Officers Promotion Board of the Nigerian Army in Rivers State.

The promotion exercise is being held at the National Youth Service Corps Orientation Camp, Nonwa-Gbam, in Tai Local Government Area and is hosted by Headquarters 6 Division, Nigerian Army.

The Chief of Personnel Management (Army), Major General Adewale Adekeye, disclosed this on Thursday while addressing the candidates at the venue.

Adekeye urged the participants to demonstrate professionalism and give their best throughout the exercise, describing the promotion board as an important stage in their career development and professional progression.

He, however, advised the candidates to perform within the limits of their physical fitness, stressing that their health and wellbeing remained a priority.

“Your health and wellbeing remain paramount to the Nigerian Army and your families,” Adekeye told the candidates.

He also assured them that members of the Promotion Board would conduct the exercise objectively and fairly, in line with established guidelines.

The exercise, which commenced on September 2 and will end on September 22, includes documentation, certificate screening, medical examination, physical fitness tests, weapon handling, drill, computer literacy tests, written examinations and oral interviews.

Also speaking, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force (South-South), Operation DELTA SAFE, Major General Everest Okoro, welcomed Adekeye and members of the Promotion Board to the Division.

Okoro expressed confidence in the ability of the board members to deliver a fair, transparent and credible assessment, citing their experience, wisdom and professional judgment.

He urged the candidates to approach the exercise with confidence and discipline, noting that it provided an opportunity for them to demonstrate their competence, leadership qualities and readiness to assume greater responsibilities.

The GOC also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for approving Headquarters 6 Division as the venue for the promotion board.

According to Okoro, the decision reflects the Nigerian Army’s commitment to professional development, merit-based career progression and continuous improvement of its personnel.

He reminded successful candidates that promotion was not simply about attaining a higher rank but also about accepting greater responsibilities and meeting higher leadership expectations.

“Promotion is not merely about attaining a higher rank, but about assuming greater responsibilities, meeting higher leadership expectations and demonstrating increased commitment to the Service,” Okoro said.