The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) 18 Regular Course Alumni, in preparation for its Golden Jubilee, has reflected on its achievements in nation-building over the years.
In a statement, the President of the NDA 18 Regular Course Alumni, Air Commodore Isaac Oguntuyi (Rtd), mni, stated that the Golden Jubilee would be held on the 4th of July in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The President also gave a brief history of the Nigerian Defence Academy 18 Regular Course Alumni.
According to him, they began their military careers at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, as young men about 50 years ago, on 30 June 1975.
They were 149 in total in the June/July 1975 set of the 18 Regular Course and Short Service Course 10 (SS 10), comprising 74 cadets in the Regular Combatant Course and 75 in the Short Service counterpart.
They came from various parts of the country and commenced military training simultaneously. Unfortunately, before graduation, they lost one of their colleagues, Cadet C.O. Okupa, during a Physical Training Exercise.
Sadly, as of today, and with a deep sense of reflection, only 47 of the initial 149 cadets from both the Regular and Short Service Courses remain alive.
They lost several members over the years to the cold hands of death through various circumstances—some due to illness, others through motor accidents, and a significant number in the tragic Ejigbo 1992 C-130 air crash.
“May their souls continue to rest in perfect peace. Amen,” he said.
However, he noted with gratitude that some members of the Alumni reached the pinnacle of their military careers, attaining the rank of Major General or its equivalent in the Navy and Air Force. Some, however, transitioned early into civilian life for various unforeseen reasons.
“Yet, one of them, by the grace of Almighty God, surpassed all expectations and was bestowed with the highest honour in the spiritual world,” he said.
He became the spiritual leader in the Islamic realm of Nigeria—His Eminence, Brigadier General (Rtd) Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto, who serves as the Grand Patron and a member of the Nigerian Defence Academy 18 Regular Course Alumni.
“This is a man who has carved a niche for himself to the point that he has already been recognised as a multi-faith harmony leader and peace builder in the country,” he added.
It is also worthy of note that another coursemate, the 22nd Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Onyeabo Ihejirika (Rtd), who during his tenure successfully and professionally steered the affairs of the Nigerian Army to an admirable level, is a Patron and member of the NDA 18 Regular Course Alumni.
Among their members was also the late His Royal Majesty Homun Honest Irmiya Stephen, Kwire Mana Kpafrato II, the Hama Bachama, who before his demise played a prominent role in the affairs of the Alumni.
He said: “This is to show how blessed our Course is.”
Air Commodore Oguntuyi has held the position of President since the inception of the Alumni in 2006.