By MOHAMMED TIJJANI

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna, on Friday unveiled a 10-year development plan for the institution, and inaugurated several projects for effective service delivery and training of cadets.

The projects Inaugurated by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor were indoor sports complex named after him, Directors’ quarters and parade ground.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports, that the academy also unveiled a book titled ‘Defence, Security and Sustainable Development in Africa, Defence Emerging Challenges and Responses, volumes I and II.

The Special Guest of Honour at the event, the CDS, Gen. Irabor, said that with the unprecedented development in the academy, graduates of the NDA had gained reputation for their exceptional skills and abilities.

According to him, it was attributed to the extensive training programmes, which cover a wide range of subjects such as academic studies, military training, physical fitness and leadership development.

He explained that the Academy’s Strategic Plan (2023-2033), sought to reposition the NDA as the topmost military university in Nigeria and amongst the top universities in Africa.

“The document charts a safe course and achievable end-state for the academy, regarding key strategic drivers such as teaching and learning; research and development; linkages and partnerships; human capital development and retention.”

Others, he said included adoption of ICT and enhancing global ranking and visibility.

He noted that each target objective of the plan had roles and resource allocations.

“The NDA authority should hold officials and units accountable for the implementation of each strategic objective.

“On its part, the NDA authority should spare no resources to ensure speedy, effective and efficient implementation of the strategic plan.

“Given NDA’s strategic outlook and the commitment of its authority, stakeholders and staff, I do not doubt that very soon, the prestige, impact and visibility of the academy will rise monumentally, and the Academy’s pride of place in the annals of our country will be firmly consolidated,” he said.

Irabor said that the enriched programmes in the NDA would ensure that officers were fully equipped to maintain peace and security within Nigeria as well as participate in international peacekeeping missions.

“It is no longer news that Nigeria faces numerous challenges in the realm of security, particularly in a globalised world where the threats are increasingly complex and multifaceted.

“Nigeria took critical steps to strengthen its internal security arrangements and border security cooperation with neighbouring countries.

“In addition, Nigeria sought to address the root causes of instability and insecurity through policy and governance initiatives.

“Nigeria’s security architecture has undergone significant changes in recent years, driven mainly by the evolving security landscape in a globalised world,” Irabor added.

The CDS mentioned some of the key dimensions of the security changes to include the retraining, equipment and deployment of the military to respond to internal security challenges.

He also mentioned regional cooperation, where Nigeria recognised its importance in addressing security challenges.

The CDS noted that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari had, since its inception, recognised defence and security as cornerstones for the peace and stability of Nigeria.

He said that was why no stone was left unturned towards responding to emerging security threats in Nigeria.

“The administration tasked the Nigerian Armed Forces with various responsibilities, including counterterrorism operations, combating insurgency, addressing communal conflicts, maintaining law and order, and providing disaster relief and humanitarian assistance when needed.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria work in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure the safety of Nigerian citizens and the protection of critical infrastructure.

“We have given our best and will continue to do so for the peace, security, and development of Nigeria and for the greater good of Nigerians,” he said.

He appreciated the NDA for its continuous support to the Nigerian Armed Forces through training, capacity building, policy advice and publications.

He also commended the NDA for their giant strides in various endeavours, while encouraging cadets to remain firm, determined and of good character.

The CDS also commended Commandant of the Academy and his team for putting together the strategic plan and urging future Commandants to sustain the momentum by taking necessary steps towards implementing it.

Earlier, Commandant of the NDA, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Yusuf, said that in the past two years, the academy made 150 publications, where some of them were in collaboration with reputable institutions.

He noted that the topmost aim of the development plan (2023-2033) was to transform the NDA to one of the best institutions in Nigeria to promote global competitiveness.

He thanked the CDS for his strategic guidance to the academy. (NAN)

•PHOTO: Gen. Lucky Irabor with other dignitaries at the Indoor Sports Complex after being named after him, during inauguration on Friday at NDA Kaduna. (NAN)

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