By METROWATCH
The Ag Head of Mission and Force Commander, United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr, on 26 February 2024, presented UN Medal Award to the Commanding Officer and troops of the Nigerian Base Defence Company (NBDC 1) deployed to UNISFA.
In his speech, General Sawyerr stated that “It gives me great joy and a sense of nationalism and pride to present the medal awards to the first Nigerian Contingent deployed to UNISFA having been found deserving upon completing their tour of duty in the mission”.
He further stated that the NBDC-1 was inducted into UNISFA on 9 March 2023 with a unit strength of 160 personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, comprising of 32 female peacekeepers, the highest in the Mission in terms of the 10 percent requirement for any Troop Contributing Country (TCC) by the UN.
The unit strength was subsequently increased to 171 personnel incorporating a Close Protection Team for the Ag Head of Mission and Force Commander, comprising of 11 personnel deployed on 25 November 2023.”
He commended the NBDC for its remarkable effort in projecting the image of Nigeria in UN Peacekeeping and its contribution to the global peace initiative.
The professional conduct, innovation, and artistry of the NBDC 1 under the leadership of the Contingent Commander, Colonel Esidiong James Nkereuwem, by ensuring Nigeria is well represented in UNISFA.
General Sawyerr extolled the troops for effectively providing protection for the Force and Mission Headquarters camp and successfully undertaking CIMIC activities to win the hearts and minds of the Abyei community and further enhancing the operational efficiency of UNISFA in the implementation of its Missions Mandate.
Furthermore, he praised the bold, pragmatic, and firm handling of the contingent by the Commanding Officer who ensured that the Unit did not record any form of disciplinary case since their arrival at Mission.
In his words, General Sawyerr stated that the NBDC-1 has done its share of good work in furtherance of UNISFA’s mandate, noting that their exemplary efforts have set a shining example for subsequent Nigerian contingents that will be deployed.
Present at the Medal Parade were, traditional leaders of the Ngok Dinka chiefdoms of the Abyei Box, OiC Deputy Force Commander and Chief Joint Border Verification Monitoring Mechanism, Members of the Mission Leadership Team, Force Chief of Staff, Principal Staff Officers of the Force Headquarters, Contingent Commanders, Department Heads and Military Observers and Civilian Staff of the Mission.
