IntercontinentalNewsReservoir: Command Day Sec. Sch, Ribadu Cantonment marks 30 years, honours dedicated teachers, alumni

By Sani Idris Abdulrahman

Command Day Secondary School, Ribadu Cantonment, Kaduna (CDSSK), has marked its 30th anniversary, celebrating three decades of academic excellence and nation-building while honouring outstanding teachers and distinguished alumni.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the school, which marked the anniversary in grand-style three-day events, showcased its legacy and contributions to nation-building since its establishment in 1995.

The anniversary featured games, a “Back to School” peace march, medical outreach, reunion activities, and an awards and gala night, held under the theme “30 Years of Legacy: One Bond and Command – Strengthening the Present and Shaping the Future.”

The reunion, attracted alumni from across the country, cutting across different graduating sets, in what the participants described as a major milestone in the school’s history and a testament to enduring bonds among old students.

Speaking at the event on Monday in Kaduna, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Maj.- Gen. Abubakar Wase, congratulated the alumni for sustaining strong ties with one another and the school.

Wase, represented by Col. Raphael Adom, commended their contributions to the development of CDSSK and urged current students to uphold the values of discipline, loyalty and excellence for which command schools were known for.

The Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, also congratulated the alumni and applauded the national leadership of the Old Students’ Association.

Olatoye, represented by Grp.-Capt. Ime Akpan, equally reminded the students not to forget the discipline and morals instilled in them at command schools, noting that the NDA, as the academic wing of the military, contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economic and human capital development.

Delivering the keynote address, the Guest Speaker, Prof. Busara Sakariyau, charged the alumni to sustain the discipline they received, live purpose-driven lives, leave positive legacies and remain loyal, while ensuring their impact is felt in societies.

In his remarks, the Commandant of the school, Lt.- Col. Murtala Marafa, praised the old students for returning to their alma mater and supporting its growth over the years.

Marafa said the school’s objective is to prepare students for a brighter future, adding that it was gratifying to see CDSSK graduates excelling in various spheres of influence.

He urged the current students to imbibe the enduring legacy set by the alumni.

The President of the CDSSK Old Students’ Association, Tusse Suleiman, expressed gratitude to past and present teachers, former commandants, and officers and men of the Nigerian Army for shaping them into responsible leaders.

He recognised the school’s founding pioneer commandant and honoured teachers for their dedication in producing professionals and nation builders, emphasising that CDSSK has upheld its core values over the past three decades.

NAN reports that the highpoint of the celebration was the presentation of awards to distinguished dignitaries and deserving alumni in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the school and society.(NAN)