Major General Lawrence Pwanobato Ngubane (retd) has tasked cadets of Short Service Course 47 (Army) to remain focused, dedicated and committed to their duties and responsibilities upon their successful graduation from the Nigerian Defence Academy and subsequent commissioning into the officers’ cadre of the Nigerian Army.
Gen Ngubane, as the Special Guest of Honour at the Beating of The Retreat and Prize Giving Ceremony for cadets of SSC 47 (Army), held at the NDA Parade Ground, Afaka, urged the cadets to always keep in mind the security situation in the country and be reminded of their military and civic responsibilities, while also asking them to be good ambassadors of NDA, exhibiting a high level of discipline, loyalty, subordination to civil authority and the prioritisation of national interest above all.
While drawing notes from the day’s events, which forms part of activities leading up to the proposed February 26 Passing Out Parade for the Short Service Cadets, he reminded the cadets that there is always a reward for hard work.
He, therefore, charged them never to be complacent with their duties but to always put in the work if they desire to be successful in the military career.
Also speaking at the event, Commandant NDA, Major General Ibrahim Manu Yusuf, disclosed that training for SSC 47 (Army) commenced in April 2021.
He added that after more than ten months of rigorous training, 295 cadets of SSC 47 (Army), including two from the Republic of Liberia, are due to pass out from the Academy on February 26.
The commandant further disclosed that the training of the cadets, which was initially scheduled for nine months, was extended by another two months to equip the cadets with unique skills required to deal with the hybrid of threats within the operational environment cadets be expected to enter into soon.
The Command extended the Academy’s gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari, Defence Minister, Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff for their steadfast support throughout the cadets’ training in NDA.
Maj Gen Yusuf also expressed gratitude to the Special Guest of Honour, Ngubane, for gracing the event.
He also thanked other distinguished senior officers such as Maj Gen M.B Obi (retd), Maj Gen S.O Idoko (retd) and Col I.H Biu (retd), who also graced the occasion.
The Commandant NDA further expressed gratitude to the General Officer Commanding 1 Division NA, Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command, Infantry Corps Commander and other dignitaries who attended the event.
The Beating of Retreat and Prize Giving Ceremony for SSC 47 (Army) cadets marks the culmination of the cadets training in the Academy. It draws the curtain on all training activities for the cadets. It also provides a platform to reward cadets who have distinguished themselves in military training activities and sporting activities throughout their training. It also awards deserving companies in Ashanti Battalion who have excelled in various competitions.
At the end of the ceremony, Tamando Company emerged Champion of Ashanti Battalion Inter-Coy competitions for Short Service Course 47.
The Company emerged winner in four major military and sporting events to come up overall best. These events were Cross Country competition, Handball event, Exercise Camp Initial and Exercise Camp Highland. Tamando was followed closely by Colito Company in the 2nd position, while Kalapanzin Company emerged in the last position and was presented with the Wooden Spoon.
In the individual male category, Cadet S.O Odonfin of Kalapanzin Coy was awarded in Boxing, Cadet I Alpha of Colito Coy received the award for Wrestling. In contrast, Cadets B Ali and A Haruna, both of Tamando Coy, were awarded in the Cross Country event. Likewise, Cadet Coy Seargeant Major K Khamis of Kalapanzin Coy received the award for Obstacle Crossing.
In the female category, Cadet C.C NwabiaKarije of Tamando Coy emerged winner in Boxing. Cadet I.V Ifejika of Kalapanzin Coy won the award for Wrestling, and Cadet A.O Akuh of Colito Coy won for Cross Country. In the same vein, Cadet O.P Awhotu of Tamando Coy also won laurels for Cross Country, while Cadet Cpl I.N Essien of Colito Coy won the medal for Obstacle Crossing.
The event’s high point includes Aerobics display, Combat March display, Band display, Lighting of Bonfire and Beating of the retreat.
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