By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has commended members of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NSA) 17th Regular and Short Service 9 Courses for their contrib?tions to national development.

He gave the commendation during the Golden Jubilee Anniversary Dinner of the Alumni of the courses on Saturday in Abuja.

He said retired senior officers had diligently served the nation, saying the 50 years anniversary was not just a commemoration of years gone by, but a celebration of the journey, sacrifices, and outstanding contributions of the gallant officers.

According to him, the anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the indelible impact made by the two distinguished courses on the Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation as a whole.

He added that ?50 years ago, young men with a common vision and unwavering commitment to duty took an oath to serve their nation with courage, discipline, and professionalism.

?Today, we gather to honour their resilience, patriotism, dedication to serve our nation.

?Members of the 17th regular course and 9-Shot Service Combatant Course did not just serve, but also shaped the course of our armed forces, leaving an indelible mark on the Nigerian security architecture.

?Among you are those who rose to the highest echelons of military leadership, service and service skills, as well as other strategic positions.

?Some of you also ventured into public service, politics, business, and other sectors, making meaningful contributions to national development.

?This is a testament to the discipline and excellence instilled in you by the Nigerian Defense Academy.?

The CDS said retired officers were engaged in various military engagements, peacekeeping missions and national security operations that demanded sacrifice.

He noted that ?some paid the ultimate price, and today we honour their memory with deep reverence, as their bravery and sacrifice shall never be forgotten.?

He added that many of them played pivotal roles in ensuring Nigeria?s territorial integrity, fighting insurgencies and maintaining peace both within and outside the nation?s borders.

?Your leadership, both in uniform or in civil capacities, contributed immensely to the progress of our great nation.

?Today as we celebrate your achievements, we must also acknowledge the responsibilities that come with such esteemed legacy.

?The Nigerian armed forces continue to evolve, adapting contemporary security challenges. The foundation you laid serves as guiding light for us who now bear the torch of national defense.

?As we reflect on the past, it is equally important to look toward the future. The Nigerian military is in a dynamic era, confronting asymmetric threats, terrorism, cyber warfare and other evolving security challenges.

?The wisdom and experiences of veterans like you remain invaluable in shaping the strategies that will keep our nation strong.?

He, therefore, encouraged them to continue mentoring and contributing to national discourse on security and defense.

Musa said that the current security challenges in the country was man-made and as such, required concerted efforts of all men to address it.

He reiterated the comment of the military to put in every effort to ensure that they achieved the mandate of President Bola Tinubu to restore peace and tranquility to Nigeria.

The Chairman, North-East Development Commission (NEDC), Retired Maj.-Gen. Paul Tarfa, described the 17RC as one of the best courses of the NDA, being a one-time commandant of the academy.

Tarfa, who was the special guest of honour, congratulated those honoured, commended them ?for the journey so far and the successful career in the military.?

The President of the Course, Retired Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Atofarati, said members of the course had successful career in the military and contributed immensely to the development of the Nigerian armed forces and nation in general.

Atofarati said the course produced a Chief of Defence Staff in the person of Adm. Ola-Saad Ibrahim and a Chief of Army Staff, in the person of Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahaman Dambazau, while some of them became senators and ambassadors.

He said the association was formed to cater for the welfare of members who are now senior citizens.

He said that the 17 RC and SSC Course 9 trained together, including cadets, adding that 49 out of the 129 had died, appreciating God for sparing their lives to celebrate the golden jubilee. (NAN)

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