President urges NDA graduates to maintain discipline, professionalism and selfless service while confronting evolving security challenges.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged newly commissioned officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces to uphold the Constitution, protect Nigerians and safeguard the country’s economic interests.
Tinubu gave the charge on Saturday in Kaduna at the combined Passing Out Parade of cadets of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). He was represented at the ceremony by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas.
The ceremony featured cadets from the 73 Regular Course for the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as cadets of Short Service Course 49 for the Army, Direct Short Service Course 34 for the Air Force and Branch Commission Course 3 for the Air Force.
Tinubu Charges Officers On Discipline
Addressing the graduating cadets, the President said they were beginning their military careers at a time when Nigeria faced security challenges involving violence and propaganda.
“Therefore, your duty is to uphold the Constitution, safeguard our economy and protect our people,” he said.
Tinubu urged the new officers to maintain discipline, honour, professionalism and selfless service.
He said their future advancement within the Armed Forces would depend partly on the values acquired during their training at the NDA.
“Therefore, you are to strive for excellence in every given task as the nation is counting on you,” the President added.
The charge comes as the Federal Government continues to emphasise military professionalism and improved coordination in responding to Nigeria’s security challenges. The Presidency has also directed the preparation of a five-year Strategic Defence Operations Plan and a National Threat Assessment to guide national security planning.
NDA Adapting To Security Challenges
Tinubu commended the Nigerian Defence Academy for adapting its training curriculum to emerging security challenges.
He particularly highlighted enhanced counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency training, alongside the integration of technology into military training and research.
According to the President, the Academy has expanded its facilities and introduced specialised warfare training in collaboration with the various branches of the Armed Forces.
He also highlighted innovations being developed through the NDA’s Centre for Innovation and Creativity.
These include precision-guided munitions, remotely operated weapon systems and multipurpose mobile robots.
Tinubu urged the Academy to maintain the momentum and strengthen collaboration with military training institutions, defence industries and academic institutions.
The President has previously emphasised the need for the Armed Forces to be equipped with modern technology and improved welfare. In August, he approved salary increases ranging from 30 per cent to 80 per cent for Armed Forces personnel, depending on rank.
Security Requires More Than Military Operations
Tinubu also told the graduating officers that Nigeria’s security challenges could not be resolved through military operations alone.
He identified poverty, unemployment, inadequate education and social disintegration among factors that can contribute to conflict.
According to him, the administration is therefore combining security measures with job creation, macroeconomic stability, human capital development and social protection under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The President’s remarks placed the role of the newly commissioned officers within a broader national security framework that includes both military and non-military responses.
Nigeria To Continue Regional Security Cooperation
On regional security, Tinubu said Nigeria would continue pursuing diplomacy, security cooperation and economic integration through ECOWAS and other regional organisations.
He reiterated Nigeria’s opposition to unconstitutional changes of government while stressing that the country would not abandon its neighbours in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.
The President also commended the NDA for expanding its international engagements.
He noted that Nigerian cadets were undergoing military training in the United Kingdom, United States, Brazil and France, while the Academy had received invitations to international military cadet competitions.
According to Tinubu, the international engagements demonstrate the Academy’s growing professional links and Nigeria’s contribution to defence education and capacity development.
444 Cadets Complete Five-Year Training
The NDA had earlier announced that 444 cadets of the 73 Regular Course were graduating.
The cadets completed five years of training comprising four years of academic studies and one year of full military training.
Tinubu congratulated the graduating officers and commended their families for providing emotional, moral and material support throughout their training.
The President urged the new officers to remain committed to the responsibilities that come with their commissions and to uphold the values expected of members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The commissioning marks the transition of the graduating cadets from military training at the NDA into professional service across the Army, Navy and Air Force.
