The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has called on the graduating cadets of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) to apply the lessons learned during their training and prepare for the challenging operational environments ahead.
According to Director, Defence InformationBrigadier General Tukur Gusau, General Musa delivered this message while serving as the Special Guest of Honour at the Regimental Dinner Night held in honour of the Passing Out Cadets of the 71st Regular Course, Direct Short Service Course (DSSC) 28 (Army), and DSSC 32 (Air Force) on Tuesday.
The Regimental Dinner Night is a long-standing military tradition that introduces cadets to the customs of regimental dinners within the Armed Forces of Nigeria. General Musa emphasized that the event provided a unique opportunity for cadets to engage with senior serving and retired military officers in a relaxed setting, allowing them to learn military etiquette and the qualities required of a gentleman officer.
Addressing the cadets, General Musa highlighted the importance of discipline, integrity, and regimentation in military service. He urged the graduating cadets to ensure that their time at the NDA has shaped them into officers with strong character, discipline, and integrity, qualities that would set them apart from their peers.
The CDS further noted that the training received at the Academy is aligned with new operational paradigms, equipping the cadets to assume leadership roles in the military. He stressed that the challenges they will face upon commissioning require them to possess vital leadership qualities and the ability to adapt to complex security demands.
“You must be ready to develop above board and overcome harder hurdles after graduation to lead men effectively in operations,” General Musa said, urging the cadets to remain honest, loyal, brave, and exhibit integrity when leading troops under their command.
In conclusion, General Musa reminded the graduating cadets to remain disciplined and committed as they begin their careers as military officers. He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his continued support of the Nigerian military.
