The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal SB Abubakar, has urged Passing Out Cadets of the Nigerian Defence Academy to always place national interest beyond self-interest and to be dispassionate in carrying out their professional responsibilities.
He gave the advise while addressing passing out cadets of 66RC (Army), 67RC (Navy and Air Force) and SSC 45 (Army) during the Academy Regimental Dinner Night organized in their honour, ahead of their October 5 Passing Out Parade.
“You must always try to prioritize national interest before your personal interest and pursue excellence in various tasks and activities during the course of your service”, the CAS admonished the graduating cadets.
While charging them to remain apolitical, Air Marshal Abubakar further noted, “The nation must always come first in your scale of priorities and you must also note that the whole nation is your constituency, and as such, when deployed, you must eschew sentiments and carry out your duties without fear or favour.
Likewise, the CAS advised the cadets to always subject themselves to the laws of the land and Rules of Engagement, particularly when they are deployed for internal security operations. He further called on them to ” Uphold the principles of cordial civil – military relations, while working hard to uphold the peace and sovereignty of the Nigerian state.
Reflecting on the kind of training the cadets have received in the Academy, Air Marshal SB Abubakar disclosed that NDA is renowned world over for it’s prowess in turning raw materials, which the cadets were upon entry into the Academy, into quality finished products that can stand their own any where in the world.
He therefore assured them that the quality of training their have been bequeathed with has prepared them with qualitative academic and military skills that would enable them cope and excel in the evolving national and international security challenges ahead.
Air Marshal Abubakar used the event to thank President Muhammadu Buhari for his studious support to the military, particularly in the improvement and support of training, which he noted has ensured continuous improvements in training and the quality of manpower in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
He also used the opportunity to commend the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Major General Adeniyi Oyebade, for his commitment towards improving the state of infrastructure and training at the Academy.
The Regimental Dinner Night, which created a non – formal atmosphere for the cadets to interact and draw lessons and inspiration from senior serving and retired officers, was attended by several senior military officers and civilian staff.
