The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), in an elaborate ceremony held on Tuesday 1 August 2023 at the NDA Officers’ Mess, Old Ministers Quarters, held a Send Off ceremony for 10 outgoing Senior officers, including some posted out officers and other officers slated to attend the Senior Officers Cadre Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) Jaji.
The officers who were honoured in the Send Off ceremony, and who each were awarded the Academy Table Crest, include
Maj SN Ikpeme- Ag Comd NDA Prov, and Maj U Maiwada- Instructor Army Wing. Others include Maj A Tukur- Instructor Army Wing,
Maj ON Nwakama- Instructor Army Wing, Maj OE Oden- OC/Instructor Short Service Wing, Maj OE Okon- Instructor Army Wing, and
Maj Y Dawi- Instructor Army Wing. Others are
Sqn Ldr T Gwani- Instructor Air Force Wing,
Sqn Ldr RM Bamaiyi, SO2 (Acad) DCoord and
Sqn Ldr MS Bala Instructor Air Force Wing.
Addressing the outgoing and guests present at the event, the Commandant NDA, Maj Gen JO Ochai, commended the outgoing officers for their hardwork and meritorious service to the Academy, which he disclosed contributed immensely to the successes recorded in producing the finest officers for the Nigerian Armed Forces.
He noted that serving in NDA is a privilege and a part of contributing one’s quotas to National Development through the building of leaders of tomorrow. He expressed appreciation to the officers for the impressive work and selfless services each of them had put in during their tour of duty at the Academy.
Maj Gen Ochai further enjoined the officers to be good Ambassadors of the Academy in their various new units and encouraged those going for Senior Staff Course in Jaji to be more focused, adding that how they fare in the course is likely to determine their prospects in the military career.
While addressing the young officers present at the event, the Commandant charged them to take lessons from the outgoing officers’ commitment to work, noting that such is the sure path for the young officers to rise to the peak of their career.
The Commandant also took the occasion to reveal that the Academy will do more to improve and restore Mess Social Activities, in order to encourage officers to unwind after a rigorous day at work. He added that, activities in the military cut across three intersections: training, fighting war and socializing. Hence, the Mess is important to provide relaxation, he noted.
Conclusively, Maj Gen JO Ochai, congratulated all the outgoing officers, wished them well in their future endeavors and urged everyone to relax and enjoy themselves.
Earlier, in his brief Opening Address, the Deputy Commandant, Air Vice Marshal SK Aneke, appreciated the outgoing officers for their various contributions during their tours of duty in the Academy.
He appreciated the Commandant NDA, Maj Gen JO Ochai for hosting the officers and praised him for other future plans he has unveiled for betterment of the Academy.
AVM SK Aneke therefore, charged the outgoing officers to redouble efforts in future endeavors, especially those proceeding on senior officers course.
The highpoints of the event include the presentation of souvenirs to the outgoing officers, dancing competition and presentation of cash gifts to best dancers among the NDA corps members present at the event.
