President Bola Tinubu has charged newly commissioned officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces to uphold the Constitution, protect citizens and safeguard the nation’s economy.
Tinubu gave the charge in a speech delivered by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who represented him at the combined passing-out parade of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna on Saturday.
The parade featured cadets from the 73 Regular Course of the Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as Short Service Course 49 of the Army, Direct Short Service Course 34 of the Air Force and Branch Commission Course 3 of the Air Force.
The President commended the NDA Commandant and his team for preparing the cadets through military training, academic education and character development.
He said the Academy, established in 1964, had continued to adapt its training programmes to emerging security threats, including by strengthening counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency training and integrating technology into military education and research.
Tinubu also noted that Nigerian cadets were undergoing military training in countries including the United Kingdom, United States, Brazil and France, while the NDA had received invitations to participate in military competitions in the United States, Brazil and China.
According to him, the Academy had also become a regional centre for military education, training cadets from countries including Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, The Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Niger, Sierra Leone and Uganda.
The President highlighted infrastructure and technological developments at the Academy, including expanded classrooms, accommodation, firing ranges and simulation centres.
He also cited innovations by the NDA’s Centre for Innovation and Creativity, including precision-guided munitions, remotely operated weapon systems and multipurpose mobile robots.
Tinubu urged the Academy to deepen collaboration with tri-service training institutions, defence industries and academic institutions.
On national security, the President said his administration remained committed to building a secure, stable and prosperous Nigeria through the coordinated use of all elements of national power.
He said military operations alone could not resolve insecurity, identifying poverty, unemployment, inadequate education and social disintegration as factors that could contribute to conflict.
Tinubu said the government was therefore pursuing job creation, macroeconomic stability, human capital development and social protection alongside security measures.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to democracy, regional stability and economic integration through the Economic Community of West African States and other regional organisations.
The President said Nigeria remained opposed to unconstitutional changes of government but would continue to support its neighbours in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.
Addressing the graduating cadets, Tinubu urged them to remain disciplined, honourable and professional as they begin their careers in the Armed Forces.
“Your duty is to uphold the Constitution, safeguard our economy and protect our people,” he said.
He also commended the families of the graduating officers for their emotional, moral and material support throughout the cadets’ training.
Tinubu congratulated the graduating officers and the NDA for the successful passing-out parade and for maintaining high standards of military education and training.
