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President Bola Tinubu has charged newly commissioned officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces to uphold the Constitution, protect Nigerians and safeguard the nation’s economy.
Tinubu gave the charge in a speech delivered by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, who represented him at the combined passing-out parade of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna yesterday.
The parade featured cadets of the 73 Regular Course (Army, Navy and Air Force), Short Service Course 49 (Army), Direct Short Service Course 34 (Air Force) and Branch Commission Course 3 (Air Force).
The President commended the Commandant of the NDA and his team for transforming the cadets into battle-ready, intellectually equipped and morally grounded leaders.
He said the Academy, established in 1964, had continued to evolve in response to emerging security threats by combining military training with academic education and character development.
According to him, the NDA had strengthened its counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency training while rapidly integrating technology into military training and research.
Tinubu noted that the Academy had also strengthened partnerships with leading military institutions across the world, with Nigerian cadets currently undergoing training in the United Kingdom, United States, Brazil and France.
He said invitations extended to NDA cadets to participate in competitive military exercises and competitions in the United States, Brazil and China demonstrated growing international recognition of the Academy’s training standards and professionalism.
The President said the NDA had also continued to serve as a regional hub for military education, training cadets from several African countries, including Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Niger, Sierra Leone and Uganda.
Tinubu also highlighted innovations from the Academy’s Centre for Innovation and Creativity, including precision-guided munitions, remotely operated weapon systems and multipurpose mobile robots.
He charged the Academy to sustain the momentum and deepen collaboration with tri-service training institutions, defence industries and academic institutions.
On national security, the President said his administration remained committed to building a secure, stable and prosperous Nigeria through the coordinated deployment of all elements of national power.
The President said Nigeria remained opposed to unconstitutional changes of government but would not abandon its neighbours in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.
Addressing the graduating cadets, Tinubu urged them to remain disciplined, honourable and professional, and to uphold the principles of selfless service.
He said they must be prepared to confront threats to Nigeria’s values and progress, including those propagated through violence and propaganda.
“Your duty is to uphold the Constitution, safeguard our economy and protect our people,” Tinubu said.
He also appreciated the families of the graduating officers for their emotional, moral and material support throughout their training, urging them to sustain their prayers and support.
The President commended the Commandant, staff and cadets for the successful parade and for maintaining high standards of military education and training.
