President Bola Tinubu on Saturday commissioned 874 cadets of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), into the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The 874 cadets were those of 72 Regular Course, Short Service Course 48 Army, Direct Short Service 33 Air Force and Branch Commission 2 Air Force.
President Tinubu, who is the Reviewing Officer, was represented by the Senate President, Sen. Godswills Akpabio.
Tinubu expressed delight in witnessing the ceremony, emphasising the academy’s role in developing disciplined and battle-ready leaders for the Nigerian Armed Forces.
He alao said over the years, the NDA had undergone various levels of growth and advancements towards improving the operational capabilities of the Nigerian military.
The president further commended the academy’s adoption of technological approaches in training and military research, focusing on improving efficiency and effectiveness in current and future operations.
He praised the academy’s researchers for their contributions to military research projects, such as precision-guided munitions and multi-purpose guided mobile robots.
Tinubu emphasised the importance of addressing key drivers of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, poor education, and social disintegration, through programs and policies empowering Nigerians.
The president highlighted his administration’s commitment to job creation, macroeconomic stability, human capital development, poverty alleviation, and social security through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said, “Nigeria’s continental and regional leadership role will continue to be upheld and intensified, with efforts to strengthen partnerships for democracy, development, peace, and security.”
Tinubu prioritised inclusive diplomatic engagement, security cooperation, and socio-economic development to foster regional stability, while working to rebuild trust and avoid restrictions that could disrupt lives and businesses in the ECOWAS region.
He urged the military to safeguard the economic interests of the country against terrorists and insurgents.
Tinubu praised the academy’s recent overhaul of training curricula and methodologies to align with contemporary operational environments.
He encouraged them to prove their valor and demonstrate virtues upon which the academy was founded, without compromising dignity, honour, and professionalism.
The president reminded them that their convergence symbolised national unity, urging them to replicate the social cohesion experienced during their time at the academy.
“My administration has remained unrelenting in our resolve to provide a holistically safe society for all our citizens by implementing programs and policies empowering Nigerians to combat poverty, criminality, and terrorism.
“I will seize this opportunity to draw your attention to the ills of insurgency and other security challenges to our dear nation.
“You must remember that the goal of the insurgents and terrorists remains to counteract our development reforms by creating chaos.
“Yours is to secure the economic and core values of our nation, to prevent the collapse of the economy, and revitalize our armed forces.
“I congratulate you again on this most memorable day of your life as you begin your journey and career as officers in the armed forces of Nigeria.
” Today, there is no better time to prove your valor and demonstrate the virtues upon which this academy was founded in the defense of our fatherland.”he said.
Tinubu urged them to be unified and incorruptible models, saying, “you were trained to protect and bound by love for your fatherland.”
He rejoiced with the families and friends of the cadets, saying, “without your support, it would have been more difficult for these cadets to cope fairly in adjusting to the rigors of this institution.
“Please do not relent in providing them the generous support they need throughout their careers as men and women who may frequently be away from their families sometimes for a long time.
“They deserve your prayers, they deserve your love, they deserve your emotional support to hold their heads high in the service of our great nation.”
The president congratulated the government and people of the Republic of Congo who also have a cadet who graduated at the event.
Tinubu said: “Congratulations to the graduating cadets and congratulations to the Nigerian Defence Academy. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
NAN
