- 337 Army, Airforce cadets pass out from academy
Minister of Defence, retired Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi, has commended the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) for consistently producing competent officers for the Armed Forces of Nigeria since its establishment in 1964.
The minister 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.
Gen Magashi noted in his address, “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.”
Addressing the Passing Out Cadets, Magashi, who was the Reviewing Officer at the event, noted that the occasion is a milestone in their lives which marks the start of their journey as officers in the Armed Forces. He added that it is indeed a previlage that comes with a lot of responsibilities which they should all be ready to effectively carry out.
Consequently, he 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 also reminded them that they are passing out today as officers of the Nigerian Army and Airforce into a world filled with various security challenges, of which Nigeria is not an exception.
The minister therefore charged them to channel their efforts in discharging their constitutional duties effectively to bring a better Nigerian.
In the same vein, Maj Gen Magashi 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.
On a different note, the Defence Minister used the occasion to thank President Muhammadu 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 added.
Likewise, the Minister 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 brings to end many months of extensive and rigous of training activities for the cadets.
In total, 337 cadets, comprising 200 Army Cadets of DSSC 26 and 137 Air Force Cadets of DRC 30 graduated from the Academy and were subsequently commissioned into the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force, respectively.
During the event, awards were presented to outstanding cadets who distinguished 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.
