We remain resolute to upholding peace, security of Nigeria – CAS

The Chief of Air Staff(CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar says the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain resolute in upholding the peace and security of the nation.

Abubakar stated this at the ‘Beating of the Retreat’ prize giving ceremony in honour of the passing out Cadets of 71 Regular Course, Direct Short Service Course 28 Army and 32 Air Force at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), on Wednesday in Kaduna.

The Air Chief said they were fully aligned with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda for a stronger and a more prosperous Nigeria.

He explained that beating of the retreat was an age-long military tradition which dates back to several centuries when the sounding of the retreat was used to recall nearby patrolling and fighting units to their camps at sunset.

The CAS said the tradition has since evolved in form and conduct over the years.

Abubakar said, “I am glad to note that the NDA, as a repository of military customs, has been very steadfast in upholding this tradition.

“In the Academy, the beating of the retreat forms part of activities to mark the end of a successful training year.

“It also provides an avenue for rewarding hard work and excellence through the presentation of prizes to individual cadets and cadet battalions that have distinguished themselves in military training and sporting activities.”

He congratulated the Champion Battalion and the individual award winners for their outstanding performances.

“The awards presented to you are meant to encourage and motivate you to double your efforts for optimal performance in the field.

“This gesture also shows that there is always reward for hard work, and hard work does not go unnoticed.

“Your hard work, discipline, and commitment have brought you to this moment, and you have earned the right to be proud,” Abubakar said.

He told the cadets that, with everything in life, the end of one phase signaled the beginning of another, adding, ”just as one sunset leads to a new sunrise.

“Today marks not just the end of your training, but the beginning of your service to our great nation.

“As you prepare to be commissioned as officers, remember that the hopes and aspirations of our country rest on your shoulders.”

Abubakar, therefore, said it was time to ask not what the country can do for them but what they can do for it.

He said, “It is no longer news that we live in challenging times, marked by a global and local security landscape that is increasingly violent, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous.

“The armed forces of Nigeria have been a bulwark for the defence of our beloved nation and many of you will be launched straight into ongoing counter-insurgency and internal security operations.

“As you face these challenges, let the core values instilled in you during your training guide your every decision and action.

“Courage, integrity, loyalty and valour must remain your compass, no matter the difficulties ahead.”

He told the cadets that the armed forces of their generation would be driven by new technologies.

“Do not limit your use of technology to TikTok, Snap Chat, Instagram, and the like.

“Rather leverage the knowledge and academic degrees you have just earned to break into cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence and robotics, as well as network-centric and cyberware,” Abubakar said.

He told them that as they moved onward together, remember that victory comes from God alone.

“You must therefore be willing, able and ready to go wherever ordered by land, sea or air.

“The future belongs to you, and you have the power to shape it. Make the best use of your time, stay determined, and let your service be a beacon of hope and progress for our country,” he added.

Abubakar appreciated the President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to the defence and security of the nation.

Earlier, the Commandant, NDA, Maj.-Gen. John Ochai, said the ceremony marked the end of the 2023-2024 training year.

Ochai appreciated the support of the president, Ministers of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff and all the Service Chiefs.