LAGOS – Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged the graduating cadets of the 71 Regular Course at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) to prioritize loyalty, dedication, and service to the nation.
Shettima, through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Kana, emphasized this message during the 34th convocation ceremony celebrating the graduating cadets of the 71 Regular Course and Post-graduate students.
Shettima mentioned that the Nigerian government had made significant investments in preparing the cadets during their five-year tenure at the academy until their formal induction into the Armed Forces, scheduled for Saturday.
The vice-president stressed the nation’s pride in the NDA and the quality of training provided to the cadets.
He assured continued government support in all areas, including human resources and necessary facilities, to ensure the academy produces top-notch officers for the armed forces.
Shettima affirmed, “NDA cadets are the future Generals, and we are committed to upholding our nation’s integrity and sovereignty.”
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Furthermore, Maj.-Gen. John Ochai, the Commandant of NDA, highlighted that beyond military training, the institution functions as a respected research university.
He specifically mentioned the establishment of the Biodiversity and Conservation Centre, focusing on environmental research, global warming impacts, and current environmental challenges worldwide.
Ochai also addressed the recent floods in some regions, citing them as examples of challenges the biodiversity and conservation center would tackle through research.
He expressed, “Our goal is to mitigate such environmental impacts and address societal challenges through seminars, studies, and research to provide solutions for our environmental issues.”
According to the commandant, the center stands as a pioneering initiative in Sub-Saharan Africa, envisioned to be a hub of expertise in environmental studies and sustainability.
This endeavor also signifies the academy’s dedication to national progress throughout the past academic year.
