The Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA has gotten commendation for consistently producing competent officers for the Armed Forces of Nigeria since its establishment in 1964.
The Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (Rtd) gave the commendation during the Combined Passing Out Parade and Commissioning Ceremony for cadets of Direct Short Service Course 26 (NA) and Direct Regular Course 30 (NAF), which took place at the Nigerian Defence Academy Parade Ground, Afaka, Kaduna State.
A statement issued by the Ministry said a total of 337 cadets, comprising 200 Army Cadets of DSSC 26 and 137 Air Force Cadets of DRC 30 graduated from the Academy and were commissioned into the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force, respectively.
General Magashi while addressing the cadets said, “I am particularly proud to note that since its establishment in 1964, the Academy has continued to produce fine and competent officers for our Armed Forces. This is evident in the excellent parade you have presented this morning. On this note, I wish to commend the Commandant NDA, staff and instructors of the Academy for working selflessly to train and prepare our passing out cadets for commissioning into the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force today.”
Major General Magashi who was the Reviewing Officer at the event, noted that the occasion was a milestone in their lives which marked the start of their journey as officers in the Armed Forces. He said that it was indeed a previlage that came with a lot of responsibilities which they should all be ready to effectively carry out.
Consequently, the Minister urged the graduating cadets to apply all that they have learnt from the Academy in the field and to always make the right decisions in every situation they find themselves, even if it is the most difficult way to go.
He equally reminded them that they were passing out as officers of the Nigerian Army and Airforce into a world filled with various security challenges, of which Nigeria is not an exception. The Defence Minister therefore charged them to channel their efforts in discharging their constitutional duties effectively to bring a better Nigerian.
He also advised the Passing Out Cadets not to engage in any illegal, immoral or unethical activities because their friends, family and the entire nation would be counting on them to do what is right.
He appreciated President Mohammadu Buhari for his unflinching commitment towards improving national security and engendering sustainable development in Nigeria.
“Through his leadership, the Armed Forces of Nigeria have been repositioned to better face contemporary security challenges. This was achieved through thoughtful acquisition of requisite equipment and platforms which have improved the capabilities of the Armed Forces and greatly enhanced the morale and fighting spirit of troops.” he stated.
The Minister also commended the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen LEO Irabor, and the Service Chiefs for their good work and for enhancing synergy among the 3 Services, which he disclosed has resulted in significant successes in various theatres of operation.
He Urged Nigerians to continue to support the Armed Forces as they carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
The event witnessed the Combined Passing Out Parade of cadets of DSSC 26 (NA) and DRC 30 (NAF) as well as their subsequent commissioning into the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Airforce, respectively. It bring to end many months of extensive and rigours of training activities for the cadets.
During the event, awards were presented to outstanding cadets who distinguish themselves during the training period in the Academy. Recipients include: Cadet CI Sunday and Cadet K Ibrahim, Bronze Medal Army and Air Force respectively; Cadet S Otokpa and Cadet UA Abdulkadir, Silver Medal, Army and Air Force respectively; and Cadet OP Adepoju and JM Kolo, Gold Medal, Army and Air Force, respectively. Similarly, the Sword of Honor (Army) went to Cadet OP Adepoju, while the Sword of Honour (Air Force) went to Cadet JM Kolo.
