By Chibuike Nwabuko
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has hailed Amanda Azubuike of Nigerian descent for her promotion to Brigadier General, saying that it’s a testament of her excellent leadership and dedicated service over the years in the US Army.
Atiku who borrowed the words of General James Rainey, described Brigadier General Amanda Azubuike as “exceptional”.
The former Vice president who stated this via his twitter handle tweeted:
“Brigadier General Amanda Azubuike, your promotion to Brigadier General, is a testament to your excellent leadership and dedicated service over the years in the US Army. In the words of General James Rainey, “Generals are supposed to be exceptional”, and that’s what you are.
“I am proud of you. Nigerians are proud of you. And we wish you the best in the next phase of your career. -AA”
Sundiata Post recalls that the US Army has promoted a woman of Nigerian descent Amanda Azubuike from Lieutenant Colonel to Brigadier General.
She was promoted to the rank at a military base in Fort Knox, Kentucky, USA in a ceremony held recently.
Following her promotion, an excited Amanda shared her story, giving a peep into her journey.
“I recognise the gravity of this moment. I recognise the responsibility, the expectations, as well as the scrutiny that comes with this promotion,” she said after her decoration which was streamed on the Army ROTC YouTube channel.
“I also recognise the power of representation and the importance of diversity. I’m privileged to have benefitted from trailblazers and I’m committed to doing my part to leave a better path for those coming behind me.
“I’m honoured to be selected to serve at this level and feel fortunate to serve in my current position. I believe I can contribute here in a meaningful way.
“I joined the US military before I was even a US citizen. But I always knew this country was great, that it was worth fighting for. And that it is truly the land of opportunity. I’m very proud of my heritage, and my ethnic roots but I’m equally as proud to be an American.”
Also speaking at the event, the Commanding General of the US Army Futures Command James Rainey hailed Amanda and others who were promoted, describing the position as belonging to exceptional officers.
“Amanda inspires me. Ever since I met her and started working for her, she is inspirational and I get energy from her,” he said.
“This is the greatest country in the world and you don’t have the right to be happy but you have the right to pursue it. Amanda and her family, if you don’t know them or their stories, that is what they are all about – pursuing happiness.”
Born in the UK to a Nigerian father and Zimbabwean mother, Amanda enrolled in the US Army in 1994, becoming an aviator after passing the Army Aviation Basic Course.
Amanda studied Mass Communication/Media Studies at the University of Central Arkansas between 1989 – 1993 and also has a Master of Professional Studies, Public Relations/Corporate Communications from Georgetown University.