The Nigerian Army says it needs young officers who can solve problems, inspire their soldiers, and remain dependable in difficult circumstances.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, stated this during the passing-out parade of Direct Short Service Course 29 in Jaji, Kaduna State.
After six months of intensive military training, 183 officer cadets of Direct Short Service Course 29 have been commissioned into the Nigerian Army.
The arrival of the Chief of Army Staff, who served as the reviewing officer, signalled the commencement of the ceremony.
After inspecting the parade in line with military tradition, the newly commissioned officers marched from slow to quick time.
Prizes were also presented to outstanding cadets for their performance during the training.
Addressing the cadets, the Army Chief said they were beginning their careers at a time when the Nigerian Army was confronting complex and evolving security challenges.
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He stressed that their professional qualifications must not limit their readiness for operational duties, as they could be required to undertake combat and other operational responsibilities beyond their areas of professional specialisation.
The Army Chief said the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, alongside the recruitment of 28,000 additional soldiers, places greater responsibility on the officer corps.
He urged the new officers to remain adaptable and develop the capacity to make sound decisions under pressure.
The newly commissioned officers were subsequently decorated with their ranks.
They are now expected to take the discipline, tactical skills, and leadership experience acquired during their training into their various formations and units.
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