Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi(rtd) has charged personnel of the Armed Forces to continue to exhibit professionalism for effective service delivery.
The Minister gave the charge at the passing out parade of cadets of direct short service course 26(Army) and direct regular course 30(Airforce), held at the Nigerian Defence Academy-NDA Kaduna.
Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi(rtd) who was the reviewing officer, said the event marks a milestone in the lives of the newly commissioned officers that comes with great responsibility, where leading and inspiring their sub-ordinates would be bestowed upon them.
He pointed out that the officers are graduating into a difficult world with expanding global security threats, with the potential for violent conflict, hence the need for them to learn fast and adapt quickly to the ever-changing operational environment.
He maintained that they would be required to make tough decisions in the face of enemies, which is a responsibility that the nation has placed on their shoulders.
He tasked the officers to justify the confidence the nation has reposed on them by always doing what is right, even when it is the more difficult way to go.
Major General Bashir Magashi(rtd) commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his unflinching commitment towards improving national security and ensuring sustainable development through the acquisition of requisite equipment and platforms, which have been repositioned to better face contemporary security challenges.
He also commended the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs for intensifying the tempo of operations, which have resulted in the significant operational gains witnessed in recent times.
General Magashi attributed the successes recorded to the enhanced synergy among the three services of the Armed Forces as evidenced by the combined passing out parade.
He urged the service chiefs to sustain the joint training of all short service courses across the three services as panacea for inter-agency rivalry.
A total of 337 officers graduated after undergoing 6 and 9 months trainings respectively.
Highlight of the event was presentation of awards to deserving officers and a match past parade.
Usman Sani.
