By Nokai Origin, Abuja
The Nigerian Government has pledged to continue to support the Nigerian Military in discharging their constitutional duties.
Vice President Kashim Shettima pledged at the Convocation ceremony of the cadets of 70 Regular courses at the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna State.
A statement by the Acting Director Press and Public Relations Ministry of Defence, Attari Hope said “The Vice President was represented by the Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar at the event.”
He said that the Academy remains a vital institution in Nigeria’s defense and security architecture while calling on the graduates to continue to play their constitutional role of defending the territorial integrity of the nation.
Senator Shettima said that “the knowledge acquired at the academy should be used to assist the current administration actualize its Renewed Hope Agenda for the citizenry.”
He expressed the Nigerian Government’s commitment and determination to bring to an end the complex security challenges faced by the country.
The Vice President stressed that education remained a key component of human security required to drive the country’s technological advancements for the benefit of every Nigerian.
“Education will continue to play a critical role in maintaining and enhancing the nation’s security,” he said.
Commending the Academy, the VP stated that he has followed with keen interest the works and contributions of the institution for the training of officers for the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
He said; “I must commend the Nigerian Defence Academy Commandant and Authorities for their great work in this regard.”
“We are very proud of the Nigerian Defence Academy for its constitutional role in producing Officers with broad-based training in both military and academic subjects designed to serve as a foundation for the future progressive development of officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces” Vice President Shettima stated.
The Commandant of the Institute, Major General JO Ochai stated that the academy has inculcated integrity, discipline, leadership, and a sense of duty to the Nigerian Military.
He therefore urged the graduates to go into the world and strive for excellence while advising them never to stop learning so that they can contribute positively to the development and security of the nation.
Highlights of the ceremony were the presentation of Certificates and academic prizes to the best-graduating students from the prestigious Academy. The Academy also conferred Honorary Doctorate degrees to two eminent Nigerians; General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd) and Barr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema.
In attendance at the colourful occasion were; Minister of State for Defence Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, Permanent Secretary of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, and other prominent Nigerians.
