Former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), retired Adm. Ola Ibrahim, has charged members of the 42nd Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), to sustain unity, professionalism and gratitude to God as they continue in national service.
Ibrahim made the call on Saturday in Abuja while addressing members of the Course during their 35th Anniversary Reunion Dinner, in Abuja.
He urged them to remain united and grateful to God as they continue to serve the nation in strategic positions.
Ibrahim said the gathering provided an opportunity for reflection and thanksgiving for the journey from officer cadets to senior leadership roles across the Armed Forces.
“Many of you are today serving senior officers holding strategic appointments. This did not happen by accident; it is the result of discipline, sacrifice and divine guidance,” Ibrahim said.
The former CDS noted that military service demanded perseverance and loyalty, stressing that God’s grace had sustained officers through the challenges of their careers.
“This reunion should first and foremost be a moment of gratitude—to appreciate God for life, protection and the privilege of serving our nation,” he said.
Ibrahim urged members of the Course to continue upholding professionalism, discipline and integrity while mentoring younger officers.
“The positions you occupy today come with great responsibility. You must remain role models and uphold the core values of the Armed Forces,” he said.
The Ex-defence chief also paid tribute to fallen colleagues who paid the supreme sacrifice in service to the nation, describing their courage and patriotism as enduring legacies.
According to him, reunions of this nature help to strengthen bonds among course mates and reinforce shared values forged at the Academy.
Members of the Course, most of whom are top serving officers, also reminisced on their journey so far and expressed gratitude to God for life, protection and career progression.
Earlier in his remarks, the President of the alumni, Maj.-Gen. Eyitayo Oyinlola, said the bond forged during their years as officer cadets had been tested by time, strengthened by shared sacrifice and sustained by loyalty to one another and to the nation.
“We arrived as individuals, but we were moulded into a pack. Today, by God’s grace, the pack is reunited,” he said.
He said that although members of the Course had been dispersed across various commands, institutions and continents by duty and life’s responsibilities, the spirit of the Course had remained strong.
The course president said the reunion provided an opportunity for members to reconnect, relive shared memories and draw strength from one another’s experiences.
He urged them to look beyond nostalgia and focus on continued relevance, mentorship of younger officers and contribution to national security and development.
