President Bola Tinubu has directed the Nigerian Armed Forces to intensify their efforts in the fight against terrorism and kidnapping, which are causing unrest in the nation. During the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Nigerian Defence Academy in Afaka, Kaduna State, President Tinubu emphasized the need to enhance the campaign against insecurity and uphold national interests.
Acknowledging the relative peace achieved by the military in major flashpoints, President Tinubu urged the Armed Forces to remember that the war against insecurity is not over until every part of the country is under the flag of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He cautioned against actions that could undermine the nation’s well-being and democracy, urging servicemen and women to uphold their constitutional role of safeguarding the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
President Tinubu assured the Armed Forces of his administration’s commitment to their welfare and recognized their sacrifices in the face of challenges. He pledged to prioritize the needs of the military to enable them to fulfill their constitutional role effectively.
Turning his attention to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), President Tinubu commended the institution for its robust curriculum, academic achievements, and consistency in maintaining an uninterrupted academic calendar. He highlighted the strides made by the NDA, including the establishment of post-graduate programs, research centers, and centers of excellence.
President Tinubu challenged the academic staff, both military and non-military, to transform the NDA into a hub for startups and innovation, making it Nigeria’s Silicon Valley. He expressed confidence that the quality of military and academic training provided by the NDA would contribute to ending banditry, insurgency, and criminality in the country.
The Nigerian Defence Academy, established on February 5, 1964, has undergone various transformations to train officers for the Nigerian Armed Forces. It evolved from a non-degree awarding institution to a full-fledged degree-awarding university in 1985.