A former Chief of Defense Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, has praised Nigerian Military School (NMS) for keeping the country united.
The ex-CDS was among the alumni who graced the school’s commencement of activities to mark its 70th anniversary celebrations yesterday.
The Nigerian Military School, Zaria is Nigeria’s premier military secondary school.
Established on May 20, 1954, the NMS, in its 70 years of existence, has trained young Nigerians from all states of the country; many of them have occupied strategic leadership positions and played critical roles in the military and become renowned leaders in the private sector.
Speaking at the end of a 12-kilometre march to celebrate the milestone, Olonisakin, who is a member of the NMS 1973 set, said the school has helped to keep Nigeria united.
“The Nigerian Military School at Zaria nurtured many of us and contributed to who we are today. Indeed, the school has lost quite a number of its alumni in providing security for the country, and that is important to note.
“As it marks 70 years, it can be said that the school has gone a long way in meeting its mandate,” he said.
Olonisakin urged the alumni to support the school’s former Boys’ Association.
“Being part of an association is good. I want to encourage those of us who are ex-Boys to continue to be part of these celebrations and contribute all that we can do make it worthwhile,” he said.
Also present at the event was a member of the 1958 set, Col. John Okoli (retd.).
“NMS always holds fond memories for me, even after all these years. It was the beginning of our different journeys. I am always excited to be a part of any gathering of ex-Boys.
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“NMS created a bond among its alumni that transcends ethnicity or religion and even generations. You learn that from NMS. Ever since the first day I attended one of the association’s events seven years ago, I always feel the same excitement,” Okoli said.
Participants in the 12-kilometre route march included ex-Junior Airmen and Airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force Military Schools, ex-students of the Nigeria Navy Secondary School and old students of Unity Schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Notable alumni of NMS include the late Chief of Staff Supreme Headquarters, Maj.-Gen Tunde Idiagbon; former Senate President David Mark; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal; former Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello; the chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.).
Other alumni include past and current service chiefs, like the present Chiefs of Air and Naval Staffs, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar and Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, as well as sportsmen, like Olympic Gold medalist Enefiok Udo; and renowned professionals, like the CEO of Cedarcrest Hospitals, Dr. Felix Ogedegbe.
Major events lined up for the anniversary include an anniversary emblem launch and a golf tournament on Saturday May 11 and a football tournament from May 17 to 19.
On the anniversary date on May 20, the school in Zaria will hold a Foundation Day parade, a public lecture and a ceremonial tree planting event.
