CDS Attends NDA Regimental Dinner Night, Charged Passing Out Cadets To Be Ready For Complex Operational Environment.
By Helen Udo,Outlook Media.
The Chief of Defence Staff ( CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa has charged the graduating cadets of Nigerian Defence Academy to imbide lessons learnt from their training. He said this yesterday, as the Special Guest of Honour (SGOH) at the Regimental Dinner Night in honour of Passing Out Cadets of 71Regular Course , Direct Short Service Course (DSSC) 28 (Army) and DSSC 32,(Air Force) of Nigerian Defence Academy ( NDA) .
A statement signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director Defence Information on Saturday said that,the occasion is a long-standing tradition, which is very important as it acquaints the Passing Out Cadets with the conduct of a Regimental Dinner Night in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The CDS also said that the Regimental Dinner Night is an important military tradition which affords the Passing Out Cadets the rare opportunity to meet and interact with senior serving and retired military officers in a relaxed social setting.
He added that the event presents a serene atmosphere for subordinates to interact with their superiors, imbibe the virtues of military etiquette and qualities required of a gentleman officer cadet.
He further called on the Passing Out Cadets that the Armed Forces of Nigeria expects so much from them in terms of regimentation. Hence, he emphasized the importance of discipline and integrity in the Service. Consequently, he implored cadets to ensure that in all their acquisition in the Nigeria Defence Academy, that they gain character glittering with discipline and integrity. The CDS therefore, challenged them to build those regimental attitudes that would distinguish them among their peers and contemporaries.
Additionally, he said that the training they have undergone in the Academy are in sync with the new paradigm which will enable them as Passing Out Cadets to take up leadership positions and responsibility as military officers of this great nation upon commission.
Speaking further, the CDS said It is in recognition of this fact that the passing out cadets must therefore armed themselves with the vital leadership qualities to effectively contribute this bits towards the restoration of the Country to its place of pride as it concerns security.
He therefore, enjoined them to make certain that they are fully baked in all ramifications to accommodate the complex prevailing demands of our noble profession.
General Musa reminded them that they "are obliged to be willing, able and ready to develop above board." In the same vein, he urged them be be prepared to go through harder huddles after graduation from the Nigerian Defence Academy in order to enable them lead men effectively and courageously in the theatre of operations. Furthermore, he charged the graduants "to be honest, loyal, brave and above all, have integrity in leading men placed under their command."Finally, he urged the graduating Cadets to remain disciplined, law-abiding and committed gentlemen officers. General Musa added that It is his expectation that the event has inspired and raised officer Cadets consciousness towards the profession of arms.
The CDS expressed his appreciations to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.