The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), which was founded in 1964, has received praise from the honorable Minister of Defense, Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi (Retd), for continuously producing capable officers for the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The compliment was given by the Minister at the combined passing-out parade and commissioning ceremony for the Direct Short Service Course 26 (NA) and Direct Regular Course 30 (NAF) cadets that was held at the Nigerian Defence Academy Parade Ground, Afaka.
In his remarks, Gen. Magashi (Rtd.) stated: “Being able to say that the Academy has continued to produce excellent and qualified officers for our Armed Forces since its founding in 1964 makes me especially proud. Your fantastic parade from this morning is a good example of this. Finally, I would want to express my gratitude to the Commandant NDA, the Academy’s personnel, and the instructors for their tireless efforts in educating and preparing the graduating cadets for their commissioning into the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force today.”
The passing out cadets were addressed by the event’s reviewing officer, HMOD, Maj Gen BS Magashi (rtd), who emphasized that the occasion was a significant turning point in their lives and the beginning of their adventure as officers in the armed forces. He went on to say that while it is a privilege, it also carries a great deal of responsibility, which they should all be prepared to handle well.
As a result, the Minister exhorted the graduating cadets to put what they had learned in the Academy to use in the real world and to always choose the best course of action, even when it was the most challenging one. As officers of the Nigerian Army and Airforce, he also warned them that they were about to enter a world that was rife with security issues, Nigeria included. In order to make Nigerians better, he consequently commanded them to focus their efforts on efficiently carrying out their constitutional obligations.
Similarly, Maj Gen Magashi counseled the graduating cadets against taking part in any unlawful, immoral, or unethical acts because their friends, families, and the entire country would be depending on them to uphold morality.
On a different note, the Defence Minister took the opportunity to express his gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for his unwavering dedication to enhancing national security and promoting sustainable development in Nigeria. “The Nigerian Armed Forces have been improved under his leadership so they are more equipped to deal with current security issues. The Armed Forces’ capabilities have been improved, and the morale and combat spirit of the troops have been significantly raised, thanks to the careful procurement of necessary tools and platforms “He said.
The Minister also praised Gen. LEO Irabor, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Service Chiefs for their hard work and for strengthening synergy among the 3 Services, which, according to the Minister, has led to substantial accomplishments in numerous theaters of operations. So, in order to help the Armed Forces fulfill their constitutional obligations, he urged Nigerians to support them in the future.
DSSC 26 (NA) and DRC 30 (NAF) cadets’ combined passing out parades and subsequent commissioning into the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Airforce, respectively, were both observed during the occasion. The cadets’ lengthy and rigorous training exercises that spanned several months came to a conclusion. 337 cadets in total, including 200 Army Cadets of DSSC 26 and 137 Air Force Cadets of DRC 30, graduated from the Academy and went on to receive their commissions into the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force, respectively.
Awards for outstanding cadets who stood out during the Academy’s training term were given out at the occasion. Cadets CI Sunday and K Ibrahim each received a bronze medal from the Army and the Air Force, while Cadets S Otokpa and UA Abdulkadir received silver medals from each branch, and Cadets OP Adepoju and JM Kolo received gold medals from each branch. Likewise, Cadet OP Adepoju received the Sword of Honor (Army), while Cadet JM Kolo received the Sword of Honor (Air Force).