President Bola Tinubu says military operations alone cannot end insecurity in Nigeria, stressing the need to address poverty, unemployment, poor education and social disintegration, which he identified as drivers of conflict.
The President stated this in Kaduna at the combined passing-out parade of cadets of the 73 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA.
After five years of intensive military and academic training at the NDA, 444 cadets of the 73 Regular Course have completed their training.
The passing-out parade marks the end of their cadetship and the beginning of their careers as commissioned officers in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
President Tinubu, who was the reviewing officer, was represented at the ceremony by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas.
The Speaker inspected the parade in line with military tradition, after which the cadets marched from slow to quick time.
Outstanding cadets were also presented with awards for their performance during training.
Delivering the President’s address, Speaker Abbas congratulated the graduating cadets on completing the rigorous training and charged them to uphold the Constitution, protect Nigerians and safeguard the nation’s economic interests.
He urged the newly commissioned officers to apply the discipline, professionalism and commitment to selfless service acquired at the Academy in the discharge of their duties.
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President Tinubu said Nigeria’s security challenges also have a transnational dimension, requiring stronger regional and international cooperation.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to democracy and stability in West Africa, saying the country would continue to pursue diplomacy, security cooperation and economic integration through ECOWAS and other regional bodies.
The President also commended the NDA for adapting its training to contemporary security challenges through enhanced counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency training, technology-driven research and military innovation.
He said the Academy’s development of solutions such as precision-guided munitions, remotely operated weapon systems and multipurpose mobile robots reflects the growing importance of technology in modern warfare.
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(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
