By Hillary Asemota
The Federal Government on Thursday pledged to support the military in discharging their constitutional duties.
The disclosure was made by the Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima at the convention ceremony of the cadets of 70 Regular course of the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna State.
The Deputy Director, Public Affairs in the Ministry, Mr. Hope Attari, in a statement said the Vice President who was represented by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar reiterated that the Academy remains a vital institution in Nigeria’s defence and security architecture.
He therefore called on the graduates to continue to play their constitutional role of defending the territorial integrity of the nation.
He said that the knowledge acquired at the academy should be used in assisting the current administration actualize its Renewed Hope Agenda for the citizenry
He expressed Federal Government’s commitment and determination to bring to an end the complex security challenges faced by the country.
The Vice President stressed that education remains a key component of human security required to drive the country’s technological advancements for the benefit of every Nigerian.
He said: “Education will continue to play a critical role in maintaining and enhancing the nation’s security.”
Commending the Academy, he said that he has followed with keen interest the works and contributions of the institution for training of officers for Nigerian Army, Navy and the Air Force.
“I must commend the Nigerian Defence Academy Commandant and Authorities for their great work in this regard.”
Speaking further, he said: “We are very proud of the Nigerian Defence Academy for its constitutional role in producing Officers with broad-based training in both military and academic subjects designed to serve as a foundation for the future progressive development of officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Commandant of the institute, Maj. Gen. J Ochai, said that the Academy has inculcated integrity, discipline, leadership and sense of of duty to Nigerian Military.
He therefore charged the graduands to go into the world and strive for excellence while advising them never to stop learning so that they can contribute positively to the development and security of the nation.
Highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of Certificates and academic prizes to best graduating students from the prestigious Academy.
More importantly the Academy conferred Honorary Doctorate degrees to two eminent Nigerians; Gen Martin Luther Agwai (rtd) and Barr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema.
In attendance at the colourful occasion were the Minister of State for Defence Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs and others.