President Bola Tinubu has urged the armed forces to remain steadfast in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity against all forms of threats, applauding their commitment to duty and sacrifices for the nation,leadership reports.
Addressing attendees at an event commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna on Saturday, President Tinubu, through a statement by Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, reassured the military of the administration’s unwavering commitment to their welfare and continuous support in fulfilling their responsibilities.
Established six decades ago on February 5, 1964, the NDA has undergone significant transformations in its mission to train officers for the Nigerian Armed Forces. President Tinubu highlighted key milestones in this evolution, including the addition of Air Force cadets, the successful reunification of the country after the Civil War in 1967, and the implementation of short-service military training programs to address manpower needs arising from the conflict.
ALSO READ: Ramadan: Sultan Urges Muslims To Look Out for Sha’aban Crescent
He also noted the upgrade of the NDA to a full-fledged degree-awarding university in 1985, replacing the previous Nigerian Defence Academy Certificate of Education awarded to cadets. President Tinubu commended the institution’s robust curriculum approved by the National Universities Commission and its achievements in post-graduate programs and research.
Encouraging the academic staff to make the NDA a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, President Tinubu envisioned it as “Nigeria’s Silicon Valley,” fostering the incubation and realization of ideas.
Commending the leadership, both past and present, of the NDA for their contribution to quality military and academic training, President Tinubu expressed confidence in the military’s capability to tackle banditry, insurgency, and criminality in the country.
While acknowledging relative peace achieved in major flashpoints, President Tinubu emphasized the need to intensify efforts against insecurity, urging the armed forces to continue their constitutional duty of safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and shunning actions detrimental to national well-being.
Recognizing the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces, President Tinubu assured the government’s commitment to meeting their needs to enable them to fulfill their constitutional role effectively.
He concluded by underscoring the ongoing fight against insecurity, stressing the importance of ensuring every part of the country is under the flag of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
