The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hamid Ali (Rtd) on Wednesday, charged cadets of Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) to place national interest above all other considerations.
Ali gave the charge in Kaduna during the Beating of the Retreat and prize giving ceremony for cadets of 67 Regular Course and Short Service Course 46 of the NDA, ahead of their passing out.
The beating of the retreat is an age long military tradition dating back to the 17 century, to celebrate the rigorous and multi-tasking training that the cadets went through.
Ali urged the cadets not to rest in maintaining the high standard of training and discipline which the academy had inculcated in them.
“The days ahead are most critical and tempting, as there are tendencies of you throwing caution to the wind, but with proper discipline and caution, you will earn the presidential commission.
“You should bear in mind your constitutional role of subordination to civil authority. In this regard, it is professionally mandatory that you place the interest of the nation above everything else,” he said.
Ali congratulated the Commandant and staff of the academy for the sustained efforts to produce upright and excellent young officers for the armed forces.
He explained that as a factory for moulding and refining of civilians into outstanding military officers for the armed forces, the academy remained a pride of the nation.
“The efforts of the academy in this regard, have contributed to the achievement of Nigeria’s national security imperative, particularly the ongoing counter terrorism and counter insurgency operations.
“However, this task is not only for NDA, but for all of us – the government, private sector, NGOs and our development partners.
“I am happy to observe that NDA has commenced training in counter terrorism and counter insurgency and has finalized plan to establish a counter-terroism village.
“It is also heartwarming to learn that the passing out army cadets undertook tour of theatres of operations in the North East where the armed forces are deployed.
“I believe this is aimed at preparing the cadets mentally and psychologically for the ardous task ahead of keeping the nation safe and secure.”
He congratulated Abyssinian Battalion, which came first, for it’s excellence and urged the runner up and others to strive to win greater laurels in future.
Earlier, Director Military Training at the academy, Brig. Gen Jimmy Akpor, explained that beating of the retreat and prize giving ceremony is a regimental military tradition which has dual significance in the activities marking the end of cadets training.
Akpor explained that it is meant to provide a unique platform to recognize excellence and uphold unique military tradition.
He disclosed that the 287 members of 67 Regular Course consist of 127 Army, 85 Navy and 75 Airforce cadets, who will pass out on Oct 10.
The director added that the 188 cadets of Short Service Course 46 Army, would also pass out alongside members of the 67 regular course.
Akpor noted that the training of cadets in the past six years, has stretched the human and material resources of the academy beyond limits.
He, however, expressed gratitude to the commandant, staff and instructors for their support.
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