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Tag: NDA

  • Why students of Military schools be admitted into NDA, by Reps

    Why students of Military schools be admitted into NDA, by Reps

    The House of Representatives said on Wednesday, May 15, that students who passed out of military-related secondary schools across the country should be given the right of first refusal for admission into the Nigerian Defense Academy (NDA).

    Although some members felt that the House should not interfere in the recruitment process of the Academy, the House resolved that the training already received by the students should not be allowed to waste.

    In a resolution following a motion of urgent public importance, the House directed its committee on defence to interface with relevant agencies concerned in this regard.

    Moving the motion, Emeka Idu Godwin (LP, Anambra) said the objective behind the estate of the Nigeria Military School in Zaria, Air Force Military School Jos, the Air Force Girls Military School Jos, and the Nigerian Navy Military School, Ikot Neuen, was the production of middle commissioned officers.

    He said that these military schools admit boys and girls from the age of 12, mould them into disciplined and loyal elements of the Armed Forces of Nigeria through several techniques, including physical training, and training on field crafts. Weapon handling, tactics, map reading, signals, and other military subjects.

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    According to him, the ambition of most graduates of military schools is to join the Nigerian Defense Academy and make a career as commissioned officers in the Nigerian Armed Forces, adding that many of these diligent and well-prepared graduates face substantial challenges in gaining admission into the Nigeria Defence Academy, a critical next step in their career paths, hence the need for a more inclusive and equitable admission process.

    He said further that despite their exposure to regimental training at the Military Schools, statistics show that in the last decade. Only about 4.1% of the total annual admissions into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) have gone to the Military Schools’ applicants in their first or second attempts.

    He said with the increased insecurity across Nigeria, such well-trained young men/women left frustrated could be a handy tool at the disposal of criminal gangs.

  • Troops kill mastermind of NDA attack, Kebbi school girls’ abduction

    Troops kill mastermind of NDA attack, Kebbi school girls’ abduction

    A notorious bandit kingpin, popularly called Boderi, who orchestrated kidnappings of Yauri school girls, Greenfield University and Nigerian Defence Academy attacks, has been killed.

    Boderi was killed with another kingpin, Bodejo, in an ambush by troops of the 1 Division Nigerian Army.

    Army spokesperson, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

    Nwachukwu said the duo was neutralised with their foot soldiers during troops operations along Bada – Riyawa axis on the Kaduna – Birnin Gwari Road.

    He said troops have embarked on several operations in Birni-Gwari, Igabi and Giwa Local Governments to flush out the insurgents from these areas and bring succour to the people. 

    According to the Army spokesperson, while on a fighting patrol along Maganda-Dausayi – Mugaba axis in Igabi local government area, troops came under fire from insurgents who employed rustled herds of cattle as shields as they engaged the troops with direct fire. 

    He said: “The insurgents whose number could not be ascertained fired several shots at the troops from the cover of the herds of livestock prompting immediate response from troops.

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    “In the ensuing firefight that lasted for about an hour, troops neutralised two of the insurgents and recovered 1 AK 47 rifle,1 AK 47 Magazine, three rounds of 7.62mm Special, 1 Techno phone, three Hilux and motorcycle keys, wraps of substance suspected to be marijuana, tramadol tablets and the sum of 13,200 Naira only.

    “Unfortunately, in the encounter, some of the rustled livestock used as shields by the insurgents were caught in the crossfire. Troops are still on the trail of the fleeing insurgents and remain resolute on ridding the area of responsibility of armed violence.”

    According to Nwachukwu, in a separate operation conducted by troops of 1 Division of the Nigerian Army on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, the gallant troops successfully ambushed marauding insurgents along the Bada – Riyawa axis on the Kaduna – Birnin Gwari Road. 

    “In the encounter, troops neutralized 6 insurgents and recovered 2 AK 47 rifles, 5 AK 47 rifle magazines, 300 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition and 19 motorcycles which were destroyed.” 

    “Intelligence sources are reporting that the notorious bandit Kingpin Boderi who orchestrated many high profile kidnappings including the Yauri school girls, Greenfield University and Nigerian Defence Academy attacks was killed alongside another kingpin, Bodejo in the ambush. Efforts are on to authenticate this using other means.”

  • NDA matriculates 441 Cadets for 75th Regular Course 

    NDA matriculates 441 Cadets for 75th Regular Course 

    • 30,000 apply for admission 

    The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has conducted its matriculation for 441 cadets into its 75th Regular Course.

    The event featured an oath-taking ceremony where the cadets were officially inducted into their academic programmes. 

    The commandant of the academy, Maj.-Gen. John Ochai, said out of 30,000 applicants, only 441 cadets, including one from The Gambia, secured admission.

    Ochai gave details of the distribution of the cadets across various faculties, including: 138 in Arts and Social Sciences, 118 in Science, 37 in Engineering and Technology, 55 in Management Sciences, and 91 in Military Science and Interdisciplinary Studies.  

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    The commandant advised the cadets to uphold discipline throughout their training, stressing that the academy’s training aimed to equip them for national defence and to discharge constitutional duties professionally. 

    He said: “Adherence to the fundamental rules and regulations governing your training here is paramount.”

    Ochai also highlighted the academy’s evolution, attributing its growth to an emphasis on intellectualism and innovation.

    “From its humble beginnings with two faculties and six departments, the academy has now expanded to encompass five faculties and 23 departments. Collaborations with esteemed institutions, both local and international, underscore the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and intellectual exchange,” he said.

  • NDA matriculates 441 Cadets of 75th Regular Course

    NDA matriculates 441 Cadets of 75th Regular Course

    The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) conducted its matriculation ceremony in Kaduna, formally welcoming 441 cadets into the 75th regular course.

    The event featured an oath-taking ceremony as the cadets were officially inducted into their respective academic programs.

    In his opening remarks, the Commandant of the Academy, Major General John Ochai, said out of a staggering 30,000 applicants, only 441 cadets, including one from The Gambia, secured admission.

    General Ochai detailed the distribution of cadets across various faculties which includes: 138 in Arts and Social Sciences, 118 in Science, 37 in Engineering and Technology, 55 in Management Sciences, and 91 in Military Science and Interdisciplinary Studies. 

    While instilling a sense of responsibility, the Commandant encouraged the cadets to uphold discipline throughout their training. He emphasized that the Academy’s training aimed to equip them for national defense and to discharge constitutional duties professionally.

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    He noted: “Adherence to the fundamental rules and regulations governing your training here is paramount,” he stressed. General Ochai also highlighted the Academy’s evolution, attributing its growth to an emphasis on intellectualism and innovation.

    “From its humble beginnings with two faculties and six departments, the Academy has now expanded to encompass five faculties and 23 departments. Collaborations with esteemed institutions, both local and international, underscore the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and intellectual exchange.”

    Highlighting the Academy’s transformation into a globally recognised military institution, General Ochai affirmed ongoing efforts to ensure it meets international standards in alignment with constitutional mandates.

  • NDA gets Research Adviser

    NDA gets Research Adviser

    The Centre for the Study of Leadership and Complex Military Operations, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna has appointed Ekpa Stanley Ekpa as Senior Leadership Advisor and Research Fellow at the Centre.

    In a letter dated November 20, the Director of the Centre, Dr. Bem Audu noted that the appointment is based on Ekpa’s scholarship, leadership credentials and commitment to public good.

    He also stated: “He is required to provide technical expertise, informed insights and provide timely policy advice on how the Centre can achieve its established mandate and on matters relating to a range of leadership, security and development issues for national development.

    “As a research fellow, he is expected to “bring leading-edge thinking, contribute to scholarly research and ensure evidence-based approaches” to his methodologies.”

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    The Centre for the Study of Leadership and Complex Military Operations, NDA, was established and mandated for the purpose of research and to also serve as a think tank factory. The Centre’s research, lectures and publications are in the area of leadership, complex military operation, development and national security.

    Ekpa Stanley Ekpa is a lawyer and leadership consultant. He attended the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS)’s Policy, Strategy and Leadership Course in 2021, holds a Master’s degree in Leadership Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy, MSc in Political Economy, and a law degree from Obafemi Awolowo University.

    As a Partner at Plan Partners, he has extensive experience advising public and private institutions on a wide range of constitutional, governance, infrastructure, development, enterprise and regulatory responsibilities.

  • NDA to honour lecturer for returning N1.1m

    NDA to honour lecturer for returning N1.1m

    The Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Maj.-Gen. John-Ochefu Ochai, yesterday visited Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria to praise Prof. Umar Ka’oje for voluntarily returning N1,153,953.36 wrongly paid to him.

    The money was paid to the don after the expiration of his teaching contract with the nation’s apex military academy.

    The visit by the commandant to the university was in addition to a letter of commendation to the don by the NDA, dated September 11.

    The commandant was received by the Head of the Department (HOD) of Political Science and International Studies, Dr. Rahanatu Lawal.

    “Only a few people today could exhibit Prof. Ka’oje’s uncommon moral courage,” Lawal said.

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    The HOD noted that such an exemplary character should be emulated by fellow Nigerians.

    The commandant said he had to follow up the letter of commendation earlier written to the professor with the physical visit to further show appreciation for his act of honesty.

    According to him, the honesty exhibited by Professor Ka’oje was extremely rare in Africa.

    He pledged NDA’s readiness to further honour the professor at an appropriate time.

    The commandant also expressed gratitude to the department for its well established culture of training leaders to be honest and accountable.

    Ka’oje praised the academy, saying: “The commandant equally deserves commendation for recognising and rewarding honesty.” 

  • Pepsodent, NDA preach good oral hygiene

    TO promote oral hygiene in the country, Pepsodent, a brand of toothpaste from the stable of Unilever Nigeria, and the Nigerian Dental Association (NDA) have emphasised the need for parents and their children to adopt good oral care habits.

    This was the message at this year’s World Oral Health Day celebration, organised by Pepsodent and the NDA.

    Explaining why Pepsodent has been consistent in raising global awareness on oral care, Corporate Affairs and Sustainable Business Director, Unilever Nigeria and Ghana, Soromidayo George, said the toothpaste brand was promoting the benefits of good oral hygiene because there is a prevalence of tooth decay (a disease that is preventable), not only in Nigeria, but globally.

    “We are committed to helping children and adults manage their oral hygiene to forestall absence from school, work and socialising. We have communicated this effectively in the days leading to the World Oral Health Day. We will forge ahead in this direction throughout the year,” George said.

    Also speaking at the event, Dr. Evelyn Eshikena, president of NDA, said: “The theme for this year 2019 celebration: ‘Say Ahh!….Act On Mouth Health,’ motivates children, adults and the government to take tangible action towards oral health. She stressed that poor oral health can negatively affect a child’s confidence, social skills as well as potential for success later in life. Oral health is, therefore, essential to a child’s general health and well-being, Dr. Eshikena said. “We need to encourage children to brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and help them avoid foods and drinks high in sugars. We also need to prioritise regular dental checkups. The Nigerian Dental Association is grateful and appreciates Unilever Nigeria for their commitment and continuous support as Nigeria participates in the brush day and night project towards the actualisation of optimum oral health for all Nigerians,” she said

    Category Manager (oral care), Unilever Nigeria, Toluwaleke Salu, spoke on roles children can play in promoting oral care messages, noting that children are change agents.

    “They are naturally blessed with the potential to drive behavioural change among those close to them – their parents and peers. They are influential to the Pepsodent ‘Brush Day and Night’ Schools Programme, a 21-day behavioural change campaign that encourages brushing, day and night and transfer of this message to their parents and friends,” Salu said.

    Commending Unilever Nigeria for its oral care awareness efforts, Dr. Bola Alonge, head dentistry division, Federal Ministry of Health, urged children and parents to prioritise regular brushing to ensure general health. Dr Alonge said, “The Federal Ministry of Health is proud to associate with Unilever Nigeria, makers of Pepsodent fluoride toothpaste for sustaining efforts at making citizens appreciate oral hygiene. It is crucial to urge children and parents to give importance to regular brushing, twice a day – morning and before bedtime. Regular brushing forestalls oral diseases and ensures good health.”

    More than 2,000 school children joined the Unilever Nigeria team, owners of the Pepsodent brand, government officials, and health institutions at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos to observe the significant day set aside to raise global awareness about oral hygiene and demonstrate the importance of optimal oral health in maintaining general health and well-being.

     

  • Vigilante kills student in Anambra

    Emma Elekwa, Onitsha

    A student was on Friday allegedly shot dead by a member of a local vigilante in Ozubulu community, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    The deceased, Isaac Ubah, said to be a student of Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna, reportedly had misunderstanding with his brother but was later resolved by their kinsmen.

    The Nation gathered that some members of the Ozubulu Vigilante Service, around 2am the next day, however stormed the compound in the guise of intervening in the already settled matter but were rebuffed by the deceased.

    A resident of the area who preferred anonymity, said trouble ensued when the vigilante who was not comfortable with his approach engaged him in a verbal war.

    “As soon as the man demanded to know why they had come to intervene in a matter that had already been settled, argument ensued, which led to a fight.

    “While they were arguing, one of the vigilante men opened fire on the boy and shot him thrice and ran away,” he said.

    The man however hinted that the deceased gave up on the way to the hospital.

    The Nation further gathered immediately the news of the death filtered into town, angry youths rushed out in their numbers and set the vigilante’s vehicles on fire.

    It was also gathered that houses of some of the members of the vigilance were also set on fire.

    Confirming the incident, the PPRO in the State, Haruna Mohammed said the principal suspect has been arrested with the pump action used in perpetrating the crime recovered.

    He said: “On the 24/01/2019 at about 12:00hrs, there was a distress call that vigilante group led by one Friday Nwachukwu ‘m’ of Udorji road Ozubulu went to Akwa village to effect arrest of one Kelvin Ubah ‘m’ who allegedly escaped arrest over yet to be ascertained offense but his brother one Isaac Ubah came out from the house and demanded for reasons why the vigilante group are looking for his brother.

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    “Consequently, struggle ensued between them and on the process one of the Vigilante member namely Friday Nwachukwu ‘m’ allegedly shot Isaac Ubah on his chest with a Pump action and hurriedly left the scene.

    “Police Patrol team attached to Ozubulu division rushed to the scene and took the victim to Access hospital for treatment but was later certified dead by a medical doctor.

    “However, youths of the village in their hundreds mobilised to the vigilante office and set ablaze two of their Hilux vehicles.

    Assuring that calm has been restored in the area, Mohammed said the corpse has been deposited at the hospital morgue for postmortem examination.

    “The case is under investigation after which suspects would be charged to Court for prosecution,” he said.

     

  • NCC, NDA to deploy technology in military capacity building

    THE Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) will partner to strenghten the defence of the country, it was learnt at the weekend.

    NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) Prof Umar Garba Danbatta,  after a meeting with the Commandant of the NDA, Maj.-General Adeniyi Oyebade at the NCC Headquarters, Abuja, said his experience as a visiting professor to the NDA showed that the military institution has tradition of precision and strict adherence to timelines on academic activities. It is, however, not exempted from checks and balances.

    “Intervening in boosting NDA’s technology infrastructure is to ensure the safety of the future of our country,” Dambatta said.

    He  added that NCC will assist in boosting the academy’s cybersecurity programmes.

    NCC has built two computer laboratories and deployed optic fibre links for the two campuses in Kaduna through the Commission’s Advance Digital Awareness Programme for Tertiary Institutions (ADAPTI).

    Danbatta assured the team of NCC’s readiness to collaborate with the management to make NDA a world-class institution.

    Earlier, Maj.-Gen. Oyebade said the NDA, which was founded in 1964 solely for military training, has since 2007 metamorphosed into a degree-awarding institution with several faculties where cadets are awarded degrees alongside their military training.

    He said the school now offers post- graduate programmes in several disciplines.

    Maj.-Gen Oyebade admitted that the present and future military battles will depend on science and technology hence the need to hold talks with the NCC.

    “The NCC has in the past given us very robust support in the development of our ICT infrastructure which we highly appreciate. We still crave for more support, hence this visit – to fill the gaps in our infrastructure needs,” he said.

    The NDA also sought the assistance of the  NCC in the provision of a server managed wired line infrastructure; and to build two more Computer-Based Testing (CBT) centres fitted with about 350 computers.

    The military university chief also urged the NCC to open its doors for collaboration in manpower training for academic and non-academic staff of NDA; boost the school’s existing end user electronics centre; and build a robust back up power to support the infrastructure, among others.

    Also on the entourage were the Academy Provost, Prof. Azubuike Nwankwo; ICT Director, Air Commodore A. S. Bulus; Dean of Military Science, Prof. F. N. Oguleka; Registrar, Brig.-Gen. I. M. Jallo, among others.

  • NDA holds medical outreach in Kaduna village

    The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has organised a free medical outreach for residents of Anchuna community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    The outreach is part of activities to mark the annual ‘Exercise Camp Highland’, the final war training for final year cadets of the academy. The military institution also promised to sink a borehole for the community within two weeks, and distributed mosquito nets and sanitary materials to the locals.

    The Commandant, Maj.-Gen. Adeniyi Oyebade, who opened the outreach, said the intervention was part of the community development roles of the military.

    He said: “The military has the primary role of protecting the territorial integrity of the country. But beyond war fighting, we also have community development roles – we build roads, schools, provide water and other social amenities.

    “So this is also part of our roles; we are members of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Nigerians we are protecting against external aggression are the same Nigerians we give medical care to ensure they stay healthy.

    “This medical outreach is part of the Camp Highland Exercise. Our cadets have been here in these communities for their final bush training exercise, and we thought the communities should feel our presence, not only in terms of security, but also by way of humanitarian services.”

    Traditional Ruler of the area Yohanna Kukah said aside the medical outreach, the presence of the military has sent criminals into hibernation.

    He lauded the NDA for the gesture, saying part of the challenges confronting his domain was lack of potable drinking water, which, according to him is responsible for some preventable disease affecting his subjects.

    Following the complaint, Gen. Adeniyi Oyebade promised that the academy will sink a borehole in the community in two weeks.