DEFENCE
THE NATION IS COUNTING ON YOU” — PRESIDENT TINUBU TO NEWLY COMMISSIONED OFFICERS
THE NATION IS COUNTING ON YOU” — PRESIDENT TINUBU TO NEWLY COMMISSIONED OFFICERS
A new chapter of service has begun for the latest generation of Nigerian military officers, as the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) held the Combined Passing Out Parade for cadets of the 73 Regular Course, Short Service Course 49 (Army), Direct Short Service Course 34 (Air Force) and Branch Commission Course 3 (Air Force) on 26 September 2026. The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Dr Tajudeen Abbas, charged the officers to uphold the Constitution, safeguard the nation and protect its people.
Reflecting on the transformation of the cadets into disciplined, intellectually and morally equipped leaders, the President commended the NDA for continually evolving its training to meet the demands of modern warfare. He highlighted the Academy’s enhanced counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency training, technological innovation, international partnerships and growing global recognition, while urging it to sustain its pursuit of excellence. To the officers, he emphasised the enduring values of discipline, honour, professionalism and selfless service, reminding them that “the Nation is counting on you.”
The ceremony was attended by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, alongside the Minister of Defence, the Minister of State for Defence, the Chief of the Defence Staff, other Service Chiefs, senior government and military leaders, as well as Presidents and Coordinators of the various Officers’ Wives Associations. As the officers stepped forward to begin their careers in the Armed Forces, they carried with them the pride of their families, the traditions of the military and the hopes of a nation that looks to them to serve with courage, integrity and distinction.
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