- Defence minister urges new officers to serve with loyalty and valour
Two Hundred and Ninety-Three Short Service Course 47 (Army) cadets including 2 cadets from the Republic of Liberia have passed out from the Nigerian Defence Academy to swell the officer ranks of both the Nigerian Army and that of the Republic of Liberia.
In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour (SGoH), Honourable Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (retired) said that the fighting capacity of the Nigerian military has been completely rejigged by President Muhammadu Buhari with the purchase of equipment and platforms for the Armed Forces.
The Defence Minister, who was the Reviewing Officer at the Passing Out Parade for Cadets of SSC 47 (Army), which held at the NDA Parade Ground, Afaka, told the cadets that “A lot has been done and more to rejig all the components of the fighting power of our Armed Forces. This is evidenced by the recent acquisition of hundreds of different variants of Armoured Fighting Vehicles as well as modern aircrafts and battleships, at an unprecedented scale since the post-Civil War era.”
Gen Magashi (rtd) therefore assured Nigerians that with the recent deployment of these equipment in various theatres of operation, the capacity of terrorists and insurgents will be degraded.
Addressing the passing out cadets, the Defence Minister urged them to maintain good character and serve the country with loyalty and valour. According to him, “You will defend and protect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.You will serve this Country selflessly, with loyalty and integrity, and we all expect you to set new records of gallantry in the defence of our country, just as former cadets of this Academy have done during the Nigerian Civil War, Chadian operations, Bakassi operations, ECOMOG operations and most recently, in all the ongoing operations across the country, especially in the North East”.
He assured the graduating cadets that although the road ahead might be turbulent and adventurous for them, they can always bank on the support of other members of the Nigerian Army, noting that the Army is now their family and their tribe. He however warned them that their progression in the NA is hinged on individual character and efforts at self development.
“As you graduate today, you will be joining the corps of gallant Nigerian Army officers leading your soldiers in various theatres of operation across the country. They will support you in building on the foundation laid by the Academy. However, it is your responsibility to learn fast and adapt to the operational environment.”
Maj Gen Magashi (rtd) further commended the efforts of the Commandant NDA, Maj Gen IM Yusuf, Principal Staff Officers, officers, soldiers and civilian staff of the Academy for training the cadets.
The members of Short Service Course 47 (Army) resumed for training at the Nigerian Defence Academy on 6 April, 2021. The course which was originally scheduled to be conducted in 9 months was extended by 2 months in order to offer the cadets specialised training in various aspects with the aim of preparing them adequately to brace up to the current security situation in the country. At the end of the course, a total of 295 cadets (including 2 Allied Cadets from the Republic of Liberia), comprising 235 male cadets and 60 female cadets passed out and recieved a Presidential Commission to the rank of second lieutenant in the Nigerian Army and Armed Forces of Republic of Liberia.
The event was graced by the Liberian Ambassador to Nigeria, Chairman Senate House Committee on Army, COAS, representatives of the Governor of Kaduna State, Service Chiefs and Inspector General of Police. Others include past Commandants of NDA, Principal Staff Officers from the Defence and Services Headquarters and Corps Commanders. Also in attendance were Heads of Paramilitary and Security Agencies, President Nigerian Army Officers’Wives Association (NAOWA), Coordinator Nigerian Defence Academy Officers’ Wives Association, members of NAOWA and Nigerian AirForce Officers’ Wives Association among other dignitaries.
Highpoints of the event includes a colour parade in slow and quick time, presentation of awards to some deserving passing out cadets who distinguished themselves during the training period, comissioning ceremony, group photograph and presentation of souvenir to the SGoH.
