POP: Family Celebrates Lieutenant CB Yari In Kaduna

…Says, my commissioning, a Dream Come True

By Frederick Peters, KADUNA.

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA:: The family of Retired Master Warrant Officer, John Yari, has celebrated one of their own, Lt. CB Yari, following his Passing Out Parade (POP), Pipping, and Presidential Commissioning to the rank of Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army in Kaduna.

The event, which took place on Saturday at Army School of infantry, Jaji, Kaduna, attracted top military officers, the political class, well-wishers, friends, and family members, among others.

Speaking at a reception held in his honour by the family shortly after the POP and commissioning, Lieutenant Christopher Yari described his feelings. “I feel so good and happy to have made it to become a Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army after serving for about 21 years now in the Army,” he stated.

He shared his long-held ambition: “To be commissioned is a dream I’ve had since when I joined the Nigerian Military School, Zaria in 1998. Then I tried to become a regular officer in year 2005, when I wrote my first exam, then I went for interview, but I wasn’t successful. But I must be sincere that it feels good that today I am a Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army and it’s a dream come true for me.”

Lieutenant Yari offered advice to all Nigerians. “My advice for Nigerians generally, both in the military and civilians, for those who are civilians, they should remain focused, don’t give up. You have a dream, you stick to it and continue to work towards it, because hard work pays, and try to ensure that while you work you don’t get distracted. Lately, we found out that distraction has actually become the order of the day for the young ones in this generation.”

To those in the military who have faced setbacks in their academic and military pursuits, he urged them to work hard and remain focused. “With the grace of God & hard work, today the Army found me worthy to be commissioned as a Lieutenant, so my advice is just remain focused and then hold on to God,” he advised.

As a cleric, he further admonished Nigerians not to despair, but to keep praying for the nation. “Let’s keep praying. Except the Lord builds the house, except the Lord watches over the city, those who build and watch, will surely build and watch in vain. So we must allow God to have his way, we must continue to trust him and serve him in truth and spirit, not giving God lip service. When we obey, when we follow God, serve and listen to him and obey him completely, then Nigeria will be great again,” he averred.

Similarly, the father of the celebrant, Retired Master Warrant Officer Pa John Yari, expressed his joy and thanked God, while congratulating his son for achieving this feat.

“The advice I have for him, as he has passed out after hard work; he had not succeeded without discipline, I know, it’s one of the key points that will enable any candidate or cadet to pass through from any course you attend in the Army,” the proud father said.

“So I’m happy he succeeded in passing out as a Lieutenant. My advice for him is to continue to be disciplined and impact that discipline to others whom he might come across in life,” he added.

In the same vein, the eldest brother to the celebrant, Mr. Clement Yari, described the POP of Lieutenant Yari, saying, “It’s been long in coming. We have been trusting God for this day, and thank God it has eventually come. For us, we feel it’s a miracle, a gift from God to us as a family and so we’ve taken it, and all praise and thanks to Him who has done us well.

“Interestingly, people have said very good things about him, especially from his colleagues, and my prayer is that he’ll continue to serve with sincerity of heart and purpose and continue to be a blessing to other people,” he said.

According to him, “That’s one of the values we share as members of the family, we want to do our work with all sincerity and a sense of purpose and be a blessing to people as God has also helped us and blessed us,” he reiterated.

On her part, the eldest sister and child of the family, Mrs. Martha Duchi, described her feelings. “It’s a beautiful feeling. I am grateful to God for this wonderful milestone. It’s something we have longed for, for years. It’s just that there’s a little mixed reaction or feeling because I wish our mum was alive to be part of this great milestone that Christopher has achieved,” she said.

She, however, concluded: “We are still grateful to God all the same. I advise that he continues to remain focused. I will advise that he always remain the best he has always been from day one and give this new promotion the best that he can afford so that it will take him to greater heights,” she stressed.

The family also seized the opportunity to thank the military authorities (Army) for rewarding hardwork, diligence and dedication. Praying that ” God bless the Army, the government and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.’