Pulse.ng : Pulling Out: Ex-NDA Commandant pays tribute to brave men, women of armed forces

Retired Maj.-Gen. Abdul Ibrahim, the 33rd Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), on Saturday pulled out of active military service, paying tribute to the brave men and women of the Armed Forces.

Ibrahim said , “Today, I stand before you at the close of 33 years of fulfilling military service, overwhelmed with gratitude to Almighty Allah , and great pride in what we have accomplished here in the Academy.”

He said serving his beloved nation, Nigeria, and leading the esteemed academy, the cradle of the Nigerian Military profession, had been one of the greatest honors of his career.

Ibrahim said, “My military journey began in earnest in 1992 when I was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps.

“I learnt that leadership is not about rank or privilege but about responsibility, courage, and the will to serve others.

“I had the privilege of commanding various units, including the 1 Division Garrison Kaduna, 14 Brigade, 7 Division, and the Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in N’Djamena, Chad.

“When I assumed duty on April 29th, 6 months ago as the 33rd Commandant of this academy, my vision was clear.

“That was to consolidate on the gains of my predecessors and reposition the academy as a centre of excellence committed to producing officers who are intellectually sound, morally upright and tactically proficient. Guided by discipline. teamwork and faith in the academy’s mission.”

He said that they pursued reforms in training, infrastructure, academic excellence, welfare, and character development of the cadets.

Ibrahim added, *We restored regimental pride and discipline, improved morale, and institutionalized performance-based assessment.

“I appreciate the Nigerian Army for the privilege of serving and will remain a loyal officer.

“Permit me to at this juncture to thank the President of Nigeria. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, for the opportunity to serve.

“I thank the outgone Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), and service chiefs for their support, my great appreciation and thanks also goes to the immediate past COAS and now our esteemed CDS, Gen. OO Oluyede, a true leader for appointing me as Commandant of this noble institution.”

He also thanked former Chiefs of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai and retired Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, for their positive inputs in his career.

"I will end by thanking my family, wives, and children, my late father, my mother, course and Secondary School mates as well as all those who supported my journey.

“I wish the new service chiefs great success in their mission. May Allah bless you all and may he restore peace and prosperity to our great country Nigeria.

“God bless the Nigerian Defence Academy. God bless the Nigerian Army. God bless the Armed Forces of Nigeria. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”Ibrahim said.