Great Nations Never Succumb To Momentary Challenges – Osibanjo

0
582

By; ISAAC ODEH, Kaduna

Vice president Prof Yemi Osinbajo SAN says since Federal Government came on board have had it share of social upheavals, political instability, religious intolerance and economic hardship.

In his address on Thursday as a guest of honor at the 31 Convocation ceremony 31ST of 68 Regular Course and Post Graduate, Yemi said these are challenges which most nations face.

Represented by Defence Minister, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi retired, Yemi explained that as the foremost military University and a citadel of learning in sub-saharan Africa, government shall spare no effort to sustain the continuing development of the Academy.

According to him “We have invested vital resources in confronting our national problems, and we will continue to do so across all facets of our economy and polity, adding that as part of our commitment to this great institution, we shall sustain the tempo of funding and infrastructural facilities to ensure a conducive learning environment.”
The Vice president continue, great nations never succumb to momentary challenges, neither do they as a nation, Nigeria has always defied the odd, pointing out that rather than falter or lose hope, we should draw inspiration from the brighter chapters of our history and in a determined spirit engage the reservoir of our resourcefulness.
He further explained that National development is not attained only by a select group professionals but by all with everyone contributing his/her quota.
He said creativity, sense of sacrifice and national commitment which we as a people can accumulate only from institutions like the Nigerian Defence Academy. Since I became Vice
President of this great country, I have had opportunities to come to this institution and in all my periods of visitation.
“I have always been marveled by the uncommon enthusiasm of the cadets, military instructors, staff, and postgraduate students, adding this is so because what I have always seen in this institution by way of academic activities, research and association with the larger society has always captivated my interest.
While commenting on the Nigerian Defence Academy, Yemi said “ We appreciate the Academy as the foremost military university and a citadel of learning in sub-Saharan Africa, adding we shall spare no effort or resources to sustain the continuing development of this Academy.”
Yemi also draw the attention of the management of the Academy that despite the integrated knowledge provided to cadets, pointing out that military training must not be watered down to unnecessary intellectualism or abstract theorizing that would undermine military prowess and professionalism.
According to him, In this age of revolution in military affairs, cadets should be provided a balanced diet of learning- centered, technology-driven and dynamic knowledge and skills set that will prepare them for military leadership, regimentation and combat readiness.
He maintained that in this direction, those modern disciplines that bother on sound military thought and philosophy should be given priority with subjects like modern weaponry and engineering, intelligence, logistics and asymmetric warfare relevant to our contemporary needs rather than curriculum requiring argumentative judgments and mere regurgitation of facts, hypotheses and theories.
On the convicting cadets and postgraduate students, Yemi charged them to should know that knowledge is power, adding that it is meaningful to you when you develop the corresponding skills set and competences to the application of its principles to life situations and appeals.
According to him, “ I have no doubt that you are equal to the task because the Nigerian Defence Academy has given you all you require in terms of knowledge, character and networking to be valuable citizens of our dear country.”
Earlier, Commandant of the Academy Major General Ibrahim Manu Yusuf said over the years, the Academy has made its mark as the foremost military university in sub-saharan Africa through its contribution to human development in military and academic circles.
The Commandant urged the graduands to be good ambassadors of NDA where ever they find themselves.
A total of two thousand Eight hundred and five graduands comprising two hundred and forty-nine cadets and two thousand, five hundred and fifty-six post graduate students participated in the convocation ceremony.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates to deserving cadets, post-graduate students as well as honourary doctorate degrees on Alhaji Aliko Dangote and post humous doctorate degrees on late Alhaji Ahmed Joda and former chief of Army Staff, late Lt General Ibrahim Attahiru.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here