Jonathan directs military to institute special programme to honour fallen heroes

by Laila Ibrahim

President Goodluck Jonathan has directed the institution of a special programme that will honour officers of the armed forces who lose their lives in active service.

Speaking on Saturday  at the combined passing-out-parade and commissioning of the 61 regular course and short service course 42 (Army) cadets of the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna,  the President gave the directive stating that citizens who pay the price for their fatherland should on no account be abandoned, adding that the honour is to ensure that the memories of the country’s fallen heroes are kept alive forever.

“Let me again extend my deepest of gratitude and indeed the appreciation of all Nigerians to the men and officers of the Nigerian armed forces for their service to our nation.

“You are out there fighting so that the rest of the country can live in peace. Our nation will not abandon you; we are standing with you.

“On this special occasion, I am directing the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs to institute a special programme to honour our men in uniform who lose their lives in active service.

“On no account must our country abandon those who serve loyally and pay the supreme price.

“This honour is to ensure that their memory and service live with us and our nation forever’’ he said.

Congratulating the graduating cadets for the successful completion of their five-year training and their commissioning as officers of the armed forces, Jonathan also urged to ensure they enforce the policy zero tolerance to indiscipline and corruption.

“You are passing out at a critical moment for our country. Those of you who are fortunate enough to be deployed to areas of national challenge have a unique opportunity to distinguish yourselves in your chosen career.

“A career in our armed forces is not the place for the heartless. Our men and women in uniform are bold and brave.

“They are our pride and our nation will continue to honour and appreciate those who stand strong in defence of our country.

“This administration is committed to due process, equity, merit and the rule of law, because they are the cardinal pillars of a democratic society.

“As members of our Armed Forces, your constitutional responsibilities are very broad but clearly defined.

“I urge you, therefore, to engage only in noble and rewarding actions that will enhance your professionalism and career prospects, as well as maintain and deepen the confidence that the Nigerian people repose in you” he said.

The president congratulated the commandant, staff and officers of the NDA for their service to the nation, noting that the aspiration of the people and government of Nigeria had remained to build a “well-trained, efficient and very effective armed forces’’ that met the national security objectives.

He lauded authorities of the academy for embracing the Federal Government’s initiative aimed at deepening the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics towards fast rackling national development.

Jonathan urged the NDA authorities to make sure that all cadets undergoing training in the institution, with effect from next session, were bilingual especially in English and French.

This, according to him, is to enhance their participation in United Nations and African Union’s peaceful keeping operations.

The newly commissioned officers include 331 in the 61 Regular Course Cadets and 213 in the Short Service Corps 42 (Army) Cadets.

The ceremony, which coincided with the Golden Jubilee anniversary of the NDA, also featured trooping and presentation of the new national and academy regimental colours of the military.

Three of the graduating cadets who distinguished themselves in academics and rigorous military training received the academy’s Sword of Honour.

The highest award went to Cadet Q. T. Lawal, who emerged the overall best in academics, military subjects, personal qualities and extra-curriculum activities.

Among important dignitaries at the occasion were former military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd) the governor of Kaduna State, Muktar Yero, services chiefs and the Acting Inspector general of Police, Suleiman Abba.

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