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"Big Boots, Lessons from My Military Service": Military Royalty Unite to Celebrate Major General Udounwa's Literary Debut

Former Service Chiefs and the serving Chiefs, General TY Danjuma (rtd), Lt. General Tukur Buratai (rtd), General Lucky Irabor, Lt. Gen Faruk Yahaya (Rtd) and General Christopher Gwabin Musa are among the dignitaries at the public presentation of Major General Solomon Udounwa's (rtd), book titled, "Big Boots, Lessons from My Military Service".Among dignitaries were members of NDA 38 Regular Course Association, representatives of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and representatives of Plataeu, Taraba and Akwa Ibom States Governors.The " "Big Boots, Lessons from My Military Service" book is the gripping account of the over three decades that retired Major General Solomon Udounwa committed to dutifully serving the Nigerian Army and his nation.In his remarks, the Chairman of the book Launch, Retired General TY Danjuma said, through the book he has learnt something about retired Major General Solomon Udounwa today and a few other things also about him from the book. "And I'm very happy that you're still with me. So I'll continue to learn from you. Thank you very much."Gen Danjuma commended the Military personnel for keeping the spirit of comradeship alive despite all odds. He lauded the efforts of the military high command for timing payment of pensions and gratuities which is not done in the public service."I want to use this opportunity to thank all the retired service chiefs that came after me.  For one very good thing you have done for us, which I think you all have benefited from.  I receive my pensions regularly, on time."Believe me, if you know how much service servants struggle to get their pensions paid, you'll understand what I'm trying to say. If you are retired, a very good friend of mine, who is now dead, retired as a permanent secretary, fellow permanent secretary.  Several years after he retired, he wasn't collecting his pension."And when I was made the Minister of Defense, he drew my attention to that problem, his problem. I went into it, and I discovered that the corruption governing the management of the payment of pensions and gratuities in the public service  is something that even I as a minister could not fix. I reported the matter to the then president."He went into it, and it was after that I think the foundation was laid for us, the armed forces, to manage the payment of our own pensions and gratuities.  This has been done very effectively. Also, things have changed in our country to the extent that now, to our own personal security, we need the services of our colleagues in the armed forces."The army has been very, very kind to some of us, to me in particular, in ensuring that I have security in my various homes.  Unfortunately, I have houses all over the place, and I must move into it.  My state capital, in my hometown, in Lagos, and Abuja, they provide security for me adequately." he saidGeneral Danjuma charged all serving personnel to end banditry as soon as possible. "We must end the banditry and the killings that are going on in our country as soon as possible, there is responsibility upon your shoulders, those of you who are still serving. No excuses. Absolutely no excuses."Also in his goodwill message, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa congratulates Major General Solomon Odounwa, retired but not tired, on his loud and glorious public presentation of his book titled, Big Boots, Lessons from My Military Service. General Musa said "As the Chief of Defence Staff, I am delighted to witness this event as the author is not just a course mate, but a brother, a whole daring. I have known Solomon Odonwa for 38 years now and still counting, and can categorically profess that his ability, dedication, and discipline have not waned, even in retirement."He noted that General Odounwa's capacity to write such a detailed book is a testament to his sterling qualities. Furthermore, the area of dignities here, from all walks of life, speak to his professional dynamism. This book is a valuable contribution to the preservation of military history, and will help in educating the next generation of military officers with practical experiences to draw from."It will also significantly contribute to our national security, while at the same time inspiring and educating much of our society on the roles played by the military in shaping the landscape of our nation, and beyond. As in literature, the book will also help our young officers rekindle the culture of reading, writing, and keeping records, which has dwindled of late. Indeed, the lessons captured within these pages are invaluable contributions to our collective understanding of military service, leadership, and duty to our nation."The CDS also added that Major General Odonwa's dedication and commitment to armed forces has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on all those who have had the privilege to serve alongside him. His wisdom and expertise encapsulated in the book will undoubtedly inspire, motivate, and guide future generations of military leaders. "I commend your commitment to sharing your untold stories and experiences of your military service to our nation. Please accept our best wishes for the success of your book, and the gratitude of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for your contribution to the military community. I would like to express my gratitude to all attendees, especially our Chairman, whom we have grown over time to have seen his contribution to the growth of the Armed Forces and Nigeria in general. In the presence and support of this momentous occasion, let us continue to uphold the values of service, integrity, and honour that define our extended military tradition.General Musa also assured distinguished Chairman of the book launch, General TY Danjuma that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is positioned, is willing, is dedicated, and committed in ensuring that peace and security is restored in the country.On his part, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja represented by the Major General Ugbo explained that when Major General Solomon F. Udounwa retired shared the title of his book with him as Big Boots, for once he thought it was one of his jokes to remind him that his appointment as the Chief of Army Staff was the Big Boots that kicked him and his course mates out of the military profession. They are known for the better part of their lives but when he presented him with an advanced version of the initial edited copy, he realized he was sharing a unique and eventful life and career experience.The COAS said a career so impactful that the majority who crossed paths with him can attest to it. His dedication to the book, a reflection of his commitment to his military service, is truly inspiring. "I am one of those who have such impactful and memorable encounters with our distinguished author. Aside from our 38 and 39 regular course NDA Tom and Jerry experience, encounters with Major  General Udounwa in the field were entirely different ballgames. "Of the nine chapters of the book we have come to launch, Chapter 5 in particular resonates very well with me. Having had the privilege to take over the popular Renford Winstar S.A. with plate number P.K.C.G.3000 and house 739 McArthur Drive in Kingston Arms Estate in the heart of Cumberland County from him."My last two assignments as General Staff Commanding 1 Division and Chief of Operations Army before becoming the Chief of Army Staff, I equally worked closely with General Udounwa while he was on his last assignment as the Chief of Defense Training and Operations. I believe he made reference to that in the first section of the last chapter of his book. Needless to say, all our encounters were intellectually engaging and professionally rewarding."The Author, General Udounwa explained that the title of the book "Big Boots" was informed by the size of his feet and boots in the military.He said he faced bullies in primary school but decided to unleash his big feet on one of the bullies and ended the reign of terror."Then when I joined the military, because my feet are very big, I was also given Big Boots, which went with me everywhere I served, and which I used in trampling on terrorists and every other threat to our national security," he added.General Udounwa is a retired military officer who served in the Nigerian Army for 32 years, rising to the rank of major general, and holding several key appointments in command, staff, diplomatic, and instructional capacities.The book Reviewer, Prof Okey Ikechukwu disclosed that the book told with clarity and in vivid detail, General Udounwa takes the reader through his formative years, growing up in his village Nung Udoe, and his fortuitous enlistment into the armed forces. His account of his cadet training at the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy leading to his commission as an officer is filled with lessons in tenacity, endurance, and focus; prerequisites for success in the challenging world of the military or any other professional endeavour.Prof Ikechukwu said early in General Udounwas career,  saw combat in Liberia, contributing his quota to restoring peace to the war-ravaged country and paving the way for sustainable development of Africa's first independent republic, as well as stability of the West Africa Subregion in general. His service years were dedicated to serving the cause of peace and security in Nigeria and around the world. From humble beginnings, General Udounwa rose to the pinnacle of his military career and held numerous appointments at national and international levels. His experiences in command, on the staff, as diplomat, and as instructor in elite military training schools provide useful insights to a career that could easily serve as a perfect example of service with devotion, patriotism, and courage; always placing the interest of the Army and the country ahead of all other considerations.Big Boots is a must-read for serving and aspiring military personnel and all who desire to enhance their understanding of national and international security from the perspective of individuals who make enormous sacrifices for our collective liberty and freedom.www.twitter.com/spyetv