The Chief of Training, Nigerian Army, Major General Abubakar Ndalolo has urged graduating cadets of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) to uphold Nigeria’s national interest at all times, describing it as paramount and non-negotiable.
General Ndalolo gave the charge at the Beating of the Retreat and Award-Giving Ceremony held in honour of the passing-out cadets of the 72 Regular Course, Short Service Course 48 Army, Direct Short Service Course 33 Air Force, and Branch Commission 2 Air Force at the RSM Oliver Nzalgana Parade Ground, NDA, Afaka, Kaduna State.
He explained that the ceremonial Beating of the Retreat traditionally marks the successful completion of a period of duty, evoking a sense of fulfilment and closure
“For the Nigerian Defence Academy, the beating of the retreat embodies the elation of concluding a training year.”
“It signifies a milestone in the development of officer cadets or the culmination of years of preparation for commissioning as an officer in the Nigerian Armed Forces,” General Ndalolo explained.
According to him, transforming young men and women from diverse backgrounds, with varied experiences and aspirations into a unified group of highly trained individuals dedicated to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity was no small feat.
He said; “This achievement has brought us all to this moment, specially crafted to celebrate excellence. Today, we also honour those who have excelled through excellent performances with well-deserved awards.”
“Throughout your training, particularly in the past year, you have undergone rigorous skill building exercises, both as individuals and as teams, designed to foster confidence and unity.
General Ndalolo congratulated all prize winning cadets, teams and battalions for their outstanding achievements in the past year.
“To those who did not receive prizes this year but will still remain at the academy, let the success of your peers inspire you to strive harder and strengthen your team spirit.”
“To the officer cadets for whom this event marks the culmination of a long, demanding journey towards becoming officers, I urge you to maintain the strong camaraderie forged here at the Academy,” he said.
General Ndalolo stated that the cadets would face complex security challenges, including conflicts with national armed forces and organised networks of violent non-state actors.
He reminded the cadets of their constitutional duty to uphold democratic subordination to civilian authority and protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
The Chief of training emphasised that the sanctity of Nigeria’s national interest was paramount and non-negotiable at all times.
He also cautioned the cadets that the final days of their training were critical and that they must remain focused to earn their commission.
He congratulated the parents, families, and friends of the graduating cadets, acknowledging their support and encouragement throughout the demanding training.
Earlier, the Commandant of the academy, Major General Abdul Ibrahim said the beating of the retreat signified the end of the 2024/25 training year.
Ibrahim said a total of 876 cadets were expected to pass oou; comprising 72 Regular Course 468 cadets (215 Army, 135 Navy, and 118 Air Force), Short Service Commission 253 cadets (Army), Direct Short Service Commission and Branch Commission 155 cadets (Air Force).
He added that the cadets underwent rigorous military training, academic nurturing, and character development, with the regular cadets training for five years and the short service cadets training for 9-6 months.
Lateefah Ibrahim