From Rahila Abdullahi, Kaduna
Members of the 18th Regular Course Alumni of the Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA, have celebrated the legacy and accomplishments of their members on the 50th anniversary to mark their entrance into the military.
In a statement by its President, Air Commodore Isaac Olufemi (rtd), the association will gather on July 4 to mark a golden milestone since their journey into the military service began.
Olufemi said the alumni, comprising 149 young cadets across Nigeria, started their training at NDA Kaduna on June 30, 1975.
He noted that the course had produced notable figures, including the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Sa’ad Abubakar III.
According to him, the Sultan, by the grace of Almighty God surpassed all expectations and was bestowed with the highest honour in the spiritual world.
“He became the spiritual leader of Muslims in Nigeria,” he said.
Olufemi noted that another coursemate, Lieutenant-General Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd) became the 22nd Chief of Army Staff and was able to transform the Nigerian Army during his tenure.
“We also had as a member of the Alumni, the late Hama Bachama, His Royal Majesty, Homun Honest Irmiya Stephen, Kwire Mana Kpafrato II, who, before his demise, played a prominent role in the affairs of the alumni.
“This is to show how blessed our members are. The alumni will also pay tribute to fallen colleagues, including Cadet C.O Okupa, who died during physical training and those who lost their lives in the 1992 Ejigbo C-130 air crash.
“Today, only 47 of the original 149 members remain.
“This reunion serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of NDA Course 18 and their contributions to Nigeria’s military history,” he said. NAN
