Emmanuel OchayiPresident Bola Ahmed Tinubu, speaking through his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasized his administration’s dedication to eradicating poverty, terrorism, and all forms of criminality in Nigeria during the passing-out parade of cadets at the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna on Saturday, September 30, 2023.
Addressing the audience, Vice President Shettima quoted the President’s address, stating, “Every day, every minute, we are reminded of the consequences of economic and social disintegration around us. This is why we favor cooperation and the formation of bilateral and multilateral alliances to create opportunities for our people.”
President Tinubu outlined the government’s ongoing efforts to empower Nigerians to combat these challenges, including addressing food security concerns arising from the Russian-Ukrainian war and responding to banditry attacks, natural disasters, and military coups, all while enhancing national security.
Highlighting a new era in national defense and security strategy, President Tinubu called upon defense and security institutions to unite to protect the nation’s integrity and well-being.
As Chairman of ECOWAS, he emphasized the commitment to enhancing regional conflict management and development mechanisms for peace and stability across West Africa.
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President Tinubu assured that his administration would treat every region equally, addressing issues ranging from secessionist activities in the South East to counter-insurgency in the North-East and farmer-herder conflicts in the North-Central.
He outlined measures to alleviate economic hardships, such as reducing taxes, distributing grains to vulnerable demographics, providing farm inputs, and offering soft loans to small and medium-scale industries.
Praising the NDA and its alumni for their role in safeguarding Nigeria, President Tinubu expressed his pride in the passing-out parade, highlighting its significance in nurturing the country’s human capital.
He added, “Sound education is the ultimate security strategy, and our resilient Armed Forces are proof of this. This esteemed institution was founded to lead the way and boasts research centers dedicated to exploring scientific inquiries and translating our grandest ideas and theories into reality. Now is the time for us to be the model for the continent.”
The Commandant of the Nigeria Defence Academy, Maj.-Gen. John O. Ochai expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his unwavering support. He commended the personnel, staff, and graduating cadets for their dedication and reminded the cadets of their future leadership responsibilities as military officers.
The passing-out parade featured parades, march-pasts, prize presentations, commission conferments, parchment presentations, and the administration of the oath of allegiance. Eminent dignitaries attended the event, including Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio; Senate Chief Whip, Sen. Ali Ndume; and various governors and military chiefs.
The President’s commitment to addressing pressing national issues remains at the forefront of his administration’s agenda, aiming to secure a prosperous and stable future for Nigeria.
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