In a resolute call to action, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has urged newly commissioned officers in the Nigerian Army to dedicate themselves to protecting the nation’s nascent democracy. Addressing Officer Cadets at the Passing Out Parade and Commissioning ceremony in Kaduna, Gen. Lagbaja emphasized that for Nigeria, “the only thing better than democracy in this modern era is more democracy.”
He stressed the importance of the military’s subordination to constituted authority, citing it as a fundamental means of promoting military professionalism. The COAS emphasized the desire for a flourishing, uninterrupted constitutional democratic governance that upholds national values and the interests of all well-meaning Nigerians, regardless of ethnic or religious affiliations. He charged the officers to be proud champions of Nigeria’s flourishing democracy and to remain apolitical in fulfilling their constitutional duties.
Lieutenant General Lagbaja reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to ensuring the security of lives and property across the country. He highlighted the Army’s efforts to protect the nation’s territorial integrity and support other relevant security agencies in maintaining the safety of citizens.
During the ceremony, the Passing Out Cadets were conferred with Presidential Commission, elevating them to the rank of Lieutenant, after which they took the Oath of Allegiance. These 239 Passing Out Cadets, including 12 female and 228 male Cadets, had already been serving as soldiers and were selected for Executive Commissioning after undergoing three months of intensive military training.
Notably, three Cadets excelled among their peers, with Cadet A Saminu securing the top position, followed by Cadet SC Nwokanta in second place, and Cadet OY Yahaya in third.
Major General Oluyemi Olatoye, Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, commended the Cadets for their training, instilling in them the necessary skills and virtues of loyalty, courage, and dedication in service to the nation.
Following the Commissioning ceremony, the COAS paid a visit to officers and soldiers who were wounded in action during operational engagements at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna.