By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
President Muhammadu Buhari has called on the newly commissioned cadets to brace up for more evolving and complex security situations and make sure that no terrorist can threaten Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The President gave the charge at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) passing out parade of 69 regular course on Thursday October 6, 2022.
He said that what sets the academy apart is not just the primacy of discipline, but its first-class training curricular, designed to transform young cadets into professionals with extraordinary skill-set and knowledge to prevent, confront and neutralize the contemporary and emerging threats facing Nigeria and West African sub-region.
He stated that, ‘When this government came in 2015, we inherited a country at crossroads, with bombs going off with frightening frequency even in our cities, and we came in to confront and manage the crisis.
“This administration has since coming on board, procured over 550 naval platforms, out of which 319 have been delivered, as a part of the aggressive fleet recapitalization of the Nigerian Navy. We have also increased the number of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) platforms by more than 38% and enhanced the serviceability rate of aircraft in the NAF inventory by over 70%.”
The President further explained that, ‘’In pursuing this same objective, the Nigerian Army has received by more than 2,000 units of various armoured fighting vehicles, guns, and equipment. These are in addition to improved funding of the three services along with other security and intelligence agencies.
“These comprehensive and systematic acquisitions within seven years are not only unprecedented in the past 38 years, but they also align with our pledge to safeguard and strengthen the security architecture of our country.”
In addressing the new cadets, President Buhari said, “Your convergence here symbolizes our national unity, for you were all admitted into the academy from the 36 states of the federation and the FCT to co-exist and master the arts and science of building and defending your fatherland. You are required to replicate the social cohesion you experienced during your time at the academy and be the unifying and incorruptible models of those you were trained to protect and bound by esprit de corps and love for your fatherland.”
He also saluted the families and friends of the cadets passing out, “Without your support, it would have been more difficult for these cadets to compete fairly in adjusting to the dictates of this institution”.
He therefore, requested for continued support to the cadets throughout their careers.
“As men and women who may frequently be away from their families, sometimes for a long time, they need your prayers, love, and emotional support to encourage them to do their best in the service of the nation,” he concluded.
Top dignitaries who attended the occasion, were His Excellency, Senate President, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, Minister of Defense, Major Gen. Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd), Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd) former and serving service Chiefs, Senator Uba Sani, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamako amongst others.
