The Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander of United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), Nigerian-born Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr, on Monday February 26, 2024 presented UN Medal Award to the Commanding Officer and troops of the Nigerian Base Defence Company (NBDC 1) serving under the mission.
Speaking at the Medal Parade, General Sawyerr said: “It gives him great joy and a sense of nationalism and pride to present the medals award to the first Nigerian Contingent to deploy to UNISFA having been found deserving upon completing their tour of duty in the mission.”
Sawyerr commended the NBDC1 for its remarkable effort in projecting the image of Nigeria in UN Peacekeeping and contribution to global peace initiative.
According to him, “the professional conduct, innovation, and artistry of the NBDC 1 under the direction and leadership of the Contingent Commander Lt Col Esidiong James Nkereuwem ensured that Nigeria had a wonderful representation in UNISFA.”
Stating that he is proud to be a Nigerian, 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 enhanced the operational efficiency of UNISFA in the implementation of its Mission 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 they arrived the Mission.
Sawyerr stated that the NBDC-1 has done its share of good work in furtherance of UNISFA’s mandate, and that their exemplary efforts have set a shining example for subsequent Nigerian contingents that will be deployed.
The NBDC-1 was inducted into UNISFA on 9 March 2023 with a strength of 160 personnel all ranks which included 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 11 personnel who deployed on 25 November 2023.
The Medal Parade was well attended by 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.