NDA HOLDS CAMP FIRE NIGHT FOR CADETS OF 70 RC, DSSC 27 (NA) AND 31 (NAF)
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has on Thursday, 10 August 2023 held a Camp Fire Night in honour of cadets of 70 Regular Course and Direct Short Service Course 27 of the Nigerian Army (NA) as well as Direct Short Service Course 31 of the Nigerian Air force (NAF).
The occasion which took place at the NA Base Camp in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna state was to mark the end of the tactical phase of Exercise Camp Highland.
The Special Guest of Honour (SGoH) who was the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division NA, Maj Gen BA Alabi, congratulated the cadets for their successful completion of the exercise. He stated that from the posture, confidence and performance of the cadets, it was quiet evident that they have been properly groomed and ready for battle inoculation. He noted that the colourful entertainment, including the cultural dances and fireworks he witnessed during the occasion, were all manifestation of high standard of which the Academy is well known and has maintained till date.
Gen Alabi therefore commended the Commandant NDA, Maj Gen JO Ochai, and his team of staff for the recent innovation and realism introduced into cadets training curriculum, which he noted have been beneficial in the field recently. He pointed out that it was evident that the gains accruing from the reviewed curriculum are yielding the desired outcome on the performance of the cadets commissioned as officers in the field; he therefore implored all staff and instructors of the Academy to sustain and continue to improve on the curriculum in order to maintain the momentum.
The SGoH urged the cadets to maintain the high standard of discipline which the Academy is renowned for , by been focused and dedicated to the completion of their training and subsequently commissioning into the Armed Forces of Nigeria. He admonished them to know that the road to their commissioning is still littered with obstacles, reminding them that it is not over until it is over.
Maj Gen Alabi further charged the cadets to remain good ambassadors of the Academy upon their commissioning either within or outside the service. He Adviced them to always be guided by their loyalty to the constitution of the country and subordination to the civil authority while performing their military duties as well as civil responsibilities.
He also noted that the security situation of Nigeria demands that they place national interest above personal interest whenever the duty calls.
Earlier in his opening address, the Director of Military Training (DMT), Brig Gen OA Awolo, welcomed everyone to the occasion and revealed that Camp Fire Night was an annual event in honour of Passing Out Cadets of the NDA. He used the occasion to inform the guests that 2023 Exercise Camp Highland which started on 30th July 2023 was organized in line with the new changes in the Academy training curriculum, designed to enhance cadets’ capacity to function effectively as junior leaders in our contemporary security environment. He stated that the exercise was in two phases which saw the cadets of DSSC 27 NA and 31 NAF going to Jos, Plateau State for leadership training before joining their counterparts 70 RC in Kachia for a joint tactical military training. He further stated that the entire exercise was designed to test the cadets’ leadership abilities, their competence, endurance, as well as their understanding of tactical maneuvers and overall military training. He maintained that it is at the end of Exercise Camp Highland that the Commandant decides on the suitability and readiness of each cadet for commissioning, based on their performance, and thereafter grants an approval for their passing out to commence.
The DMT further disclosed that Camp Fire Night was to provide an avenue for social interaction and relaxation among the cadets, officers and invited guests to symbolize the end of the tactical phase.
Delivering the Vote of Thanks, the Senior Instructor of Short Service Wing, Major F Abajah, thanked all the guests on behalf of the Commandant and the NDA community and expressed appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen CG Musa the Service Chiefs for their support on service guide in all trainings. He particularly thanked the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen TA Lagbaja for authorizing the use of live ammunition for the exercise as well as others who contributed in one way or the order to make the Exercise a success.
The highlights of the event include the presentation of souvenir to the Special Guests by the representative of the Commandant, Director of Coordination, Commodore RD Oderemi, Drama competition by the cadets, Cultural dance by Kachia Cultural Troupes, presentation of awards to winning Battalions in drama competition and the symbolical lighting of the Campfire by the SGoH
