Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, on Sunday joined Senate President Godswill Akpabio, top government functionaries and senior military officers at the Combined Passing Out Parade and Commissioning Ceremony of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna.
The colourful event, held at the NDA Parade Ground, attracted dignitaries from across the country, marking yet another milestone in Nigeria’s military training tradition.
A total of 894 cadets were formally commissioned into the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The graduating officers comprised:482 cadets of the 72nd Regular Course, 255 cadets of Short Service Course 48 (Army), and 157 cadets of Direct Short Service Course 33 and Branch Commission 2 (Air Force).
The Passing Out Parade featured precision drills, march pasts, and ceremonial salutes that showcased the discipline and rigorous training of the young officers.
The event was graced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Special Guest of Honour.
He was joined by the Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher G. Musa, as well as the Service Chiefs.
Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, was among the top government representatives in attendance, alongside other senior officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and families of the graduating cadets.
Symbol of National Commitment
The commissioning ceremony, held annually, is regarded as a symbol of the Federal Government’s commitment to building a professional and combat-ready Armed Forces.
It also reflects the NDA’s pivotal role in producing well-trained officers to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and contribute to peacekeeping efforts globally.
For many of the cadets, the day marked the culmination of years of demanding training and discipline, as well as the beginning of their service as commissioned officers in the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
