By Mohammad Tijjani
Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Ndalolo, Chief of Training, Army, on Wednesday told the graduating cadets of the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) that the sanctity of Nigeria’s national interest was paramount and non-negotiable at all times.
Ndalolo started this at the ‘Beating of the Retreat and Award Giving Ceremony’ in honour of the ‘Passing out Cadets’ of the 72 Regular Course, Short Service Course, 48 Army, Direct Short Service Course 33 Air Force and Branch Commission 2 Air Force, at the RSM Oliver Nzalgana parade group, NDA Afaka Kaduna State.
He said the ceremonial beating of the retreat traditionally marked the successful completion of a period of duty. evoking a sense of fulfilment and closure.
Ndalolo said, “For the Nigerian Defence Academy, the beating of the retreat embodies the elation of concluding a training year.
“It signifies a milestone in the development of officer cadets or the culmination of years of preparation for commissioning as an officer in the Nigerian Armed Forces.”
According to him, transforming young men and women from diverse backgrounds, with varied experiences and aspirations, into a unified group of highly trained individuals dedicated to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity was no small feat.
” This achievement has brought us all to this moment, specially crafted to celebrate excellence.
“Today, we also honour those who have excelled through excellent performances with well-deserved awards.
“Throughout your training, particularly in the past year, you have undergone rigorous skill-building exercises, both as individuals and as teams, designed to foster confidence and unity.
“I congratulate all prize- winning cadets, teams and battalions for their outstanding achievements in the past year.
$To those who did not receive prizes this year but will still remain at the academy, let the success of your peers inspire you to strive harder and strengthen your team spirit.
“To the officer cadets for whom this event marks the culmination of a long, demanding journey towards becoming officers, I urge you to maintain the strong camaraderie forged here at the Academy.”
Ndalolo stated that the cadets would face complex security challenges, including conflicts with national armed forces and organised networks of violent non-state actors.
He reminded the cadets of their constitutional duty to uphold democratic subordination to civilian authority and protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
The Clchief of training emphasised that the sanctity of Nigeria’s national interest was paramount and non-negotiable at all times.
He also cautioned the cadets that the final days of their training were critical and that they must remain focused to earn their commission.
He congratulated the parents, families, and friends of the graduating cadets, acknowledging their support and encouragement throughout the demanding training.
Earlier, the Commandant of the academy , Maj.-Gen. Abdul Ibrahim, said the beating of the retreat signified the end of the 2024/25 training year.
He added, “Also, the completion of five years of cadet training for the 72 Regular Course and 9-6 months of training for the Short Service Commission 48 Army, Direct Short Service Course 33, and Branch Commission 2 Air Force cadets.”
Ibrahim said a total 876 cadets were expected to pass out.
He disclosed, “The cadets comprise 72 Regular Course 468 cadets (215 Army, 135 Navy, and 118 Air Force), Short Service Commission 253 cadets (Army)
, Direct Short Service Commission and Branch Commission*: 155 cadets (Air Force).$
He added that the cadets underwent rigorous military training, academic nurturing, and character development, with the regular cadets training for five years and the short service cadets training for 9-6 months.
The commandant expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, and all the Service Chiefs for their unflinching support throughout the training year.
“The ceremony is an opportunity to reward hard work and excellence in military training, sporting activities, and competitions during the training year, “Ibrahim said.
