President Bola Tinubu has urged newly commissioned military officers to make constitutional responsibility, discipline and selfless service the foundation of their careers in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Tinubu, who serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, gave the charge on Saturday at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, where the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, represented him at the Combined Passing Out Parade.
The ceremony witnessed the commissioning of cadets from the 73 Regular Course, Short Service Course 49 of the Nigerian Army, Direct Short Service Course 34 of the Nigerian Air Force and Branch Commission Course 3 of the Nigerian Air Force.
Addressing the officers, Tinubu said their training at the Academy had equipped them for the demands and responsibilities of military service.
‘The Nation is counting on you,’ the President told the newly commissioned officers, urging them to uphold discipline, professionalism, courage and integrity in the performance of their duties.
He also charged them to protect the Nigerian people and defend the Constitution, while adhering to the professional standards and traditions of the Armed Forces.
Tinubu praised the NDA for continually reviewing its training programmes to prepare cadets for the changing nature of warfare and contemporary security challenges.
According to him, the Academy’s growing emphasis on counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, technological innovation and international partnerships has strengthened its capacity to produce officers capable of operating in a complex securit environment.
He urged the NDA to maintain its pursuit of excellence and continue developing officers who can effectively respond to emerging threats facing the country.
The President further reminded the officers that their commissioning marked the beginning of a new responsibility to the nation, requiring them to demonstrate courage, integrity and dedication in their service.
The event was attended by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; the Minister of Defence; the Minister of State for Defence; the Chief of Defence Staff; other Service Chiefs; and senior government and military officials.
Presidents and Coordinators of various Officers’ Wives Associations were also present at the ceremony.
The newly commissioned officers are expected to begin their careers by upholding the traditions of the Nigerian Armed Forces and putting their training into practice in the service of the country.