In a solemn and poignant ceremony, President Bola Tinubu addressed the Nigerian Defence Academy’s (NDA) Passing Out Parade, where 707 cadets took their oath of duty.
The event, which was held in Kaduna on Saturday, marked a significant moment in the nation’s security landscape, with Tinubu emphasizing the importance of vigilance in safeguarding the country.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu underscored his administration’s unwavering commitment to addressing security challenges and pledged full support to the military in this endeavour. He acknowledged that without vigilance, the goal of fortifying and stabilizing the country would remain elusive.
The newly commissioned military officers, hailing from the 70 Regular Course, Direct Short Service Course 27 (Army), and Direct Short Service Course 31 (Air Force), were reminded that they would face a dynamic and challenging landscape, vastly different from that encountered by their predecessors.
President Tinubu emphasized that the future of Nigeria depends not only on their courage but also on the educational foundation provided to warriors and scholars alike.
In a testament to his administration’s commitment to national security, President Tinubu announced plans to empower citizens to combat issues such as poverty, criminality, and terrorism.
He also acknowledged the impending food security crisis resulting from the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, banditry attacks on farmers, natural disasters, and the repercussions of military coups. He assured the nation that his government remained vigilant in devising solutions to mitigate these challenges and enhance national security.
At this pivotal juncture, the President revealed a new era in Nigeria’s national defense and security strategy, emphasizing a resolute commitment to confront significant threats within the West African subregion. He directed all heads of defense and security institutions to unite in their efforts to protect the nation’s integrity and well-being.
President Tinubu, who also serves as Chairman of the ECOWAS, shared that the regional body was diligently working to enhance conflict management and development mechanisms in West Africa. He stressed that forging a path towards greater peace, stability, and progress across the region was non-negotiable.
Furthermore, the President addressed the removal of fuel subsidies, assuring the nation of tangible measures to alleviate hardships caused by this decision. These measures include reducing taxes on strategic manufacturing industries, distributing grains from the national reserve to vulnerable demographics, providing fertilizer and farm inputs, and extending soft loans to small and medium-scale industries.
In closing, Tinubu commended the NDA for its significant contributions to national security and called on the institution to invest in scientific research, technological innovations, and the development of prototypes and concepts to enhance national security.
The Passing Out Parade not only marked the commencement of new journeys for the cadets but also underscored the government’s commitment to securing the nation’s future and empowering its citizens to thrive in challenging times. President Tinubu’s words served as a rallying call for vigilance, resilience, and dedication in the pursuit of a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.
