The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has vowed not to President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians down, in his determination to end terrorism and other criminalities in the country.
Musa also promised to uphold the ideals and principles guiding the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The CDS said on Sunday, October 8, at the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess, Abuja during the 37 Regular Course 38th anniversary and the investiture of the immediate-past Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya (Rtd) as the Grand Patron of the Course.
Musa said the success of the country’s military is not just in its operational progress, but also in the unwavering support and trust of its veterans that had been the bedrock of the nation’s defence.
He told officers and soldiers of the Nigerian military that it is a solemn duty to ensure that the sacrifices are made by every one of them to keep protect the country against adversaries.
Musa added that the dedication and service of the armed forces veterans to the country, as well as their commitment to the ideals of duty, honour and loyalty, had been a source of encouragement to those behind them.
The CDS said: “I am saying it from the bottom of my heart. We have this promise to make to all of you, that I will not let you down. We will do whatever it takes to ensure we continue from where you have stopped so that we can get the desired goals of bringing lasting peace to our dear country Nigeria.
“I remain committed to upholding the ideals and principles that have guided our armed forces throughout history. It is my solemn duty to ensure that the sacrifices made by each and every member of the service regular courses are duly acknowledged.”
In his remark, the former Chief of Army Staff, Yahaya said the gesture of oneness and togetherness among the course 37 members had come a long way and appealed that it should not only be sustained but improved upon
He said: “This gesture of oneness and togetherness has come a long way. We are talking about four decades of togetherness.
“So we should not relent but continue and even seek better ways or more ways of improving in what we are doing. Time is changing, so we must move with time upon our minds and our hearts, not forgetting the essence.
“While this organisation is here. Every time we must reflect on why and then continue to seek improvement,” the former COAS said.
Earlier, the chairman of the occasion and former Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim (rtd), said the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), had produced a quality number of armed forces for the country.
Ibrahim said that the country had also nurtured a group of young Nigerians as military personnel, because while at NDA they picked degrees.
“So the modern-day officers of the country forces are well educated. They are well connected with the needs of the community they have sworn to serve,” he said.
President of 37 Course, Maj.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu (rtd) said that the occasion was to celebrate and appreciate the former COAS for serving and representing them well.