Command Day Secondary School, Ribadu Cantonment, Kaduna (CDSSK), has marked its 30th anniversary with a series of activities celebrating its legacy and contributions to nation-building.
The three-day celebration featured games, a “Back to School” peace march, medical outreach, reunion activities, and an awards and gala night.
The anniversary was held under the theme “30 Years of Legacy: One Bond and Command – Strengthening the Present and Shaping the Future.”
During the event it brought together alumni from across the country, cutting across different graduating sets, in what was described as a major milestone in the school’s history.
Speaking at the event, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General A.S.M. Wase, represented by Colonel Raphael I. Adom, congratulated the old students for maintaining a strong bond and sustaining their relationship with the school.
He commended their contributions to the development of CDSSK and urged current students to uphold the values of discipline, loyalty, and excellence.
Also delivering a goodwill message, the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Major General O.T. Olatoye, represented by Group Captain Ime Akpan, congratulated the alumni and applauded the national leadership of the Old Students’ Association.
The Commandant reminded the students not to forget the discipline and morals instilled in them at Command schools, noting that the NDA, as the academic wing of the military, contributes significantly to the nation’s economic and human capital development.
The guest speaker, Professor Busara Sakariyau, in his keynote address, charged alumni to sustain the training and discipline they received, live purpose-driven lives, leave positive legacies, and remain loyal while ensuring their impact is felt in society.
In a remark the Commandant of the school, Lieutenant Colonel M. Marafa, praised the old students for returning to their alma mater.
He stated that the school’s objective is to prepare students for a brighter future, stressing that it was gratifying to see CDSSK graduates excelling in various spheres of influence,urging current students to imbibe the enduring legacy of the alumni.
The President of the CDSSK Old Students’ Association, QS Tusse Aondone Suleiman, expressed gratitude to past and present teachers, former commandants, and officers and men of the Nigerian Army for shaping them into responsible leaders.
He also recognized the school’s founding pioneer commandant and honored teachers for their dedication in building professionals and nation builders.
Aondone Suleiman noted that the school was established in 1995 and has continued to uphold its core values over the past three decades.
Highlight of the celebration was the presentation of awards to distinguished dignitaries and deserving alumni in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the school and society.
Abubakar Hamza.
