By Sumaila Ogbaje

Members of the 18th Regular Course Alumni of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) are the legacy and accomplishments of their members on the 50th anniversary to mark their entrance into the Nigerian military.

In a statement by its President, retired Air Commodore Isaac Olufemi, the association will gather on July 4, to mark a golden milestone since their journey into military service began.

Olufemi said the alumni, comprising 149 young cadets from across Nigeria, started their training at NDA Kaduna on June 30, 1975.

He said that the course had produced notable figures, including His Eminence, retired Brig.-Gen. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, a renowned multi-faith harmony leader and peace builder.

According to him, the Sultan, by the grace of Almighty God surpassed all expectations and was bestowed with the highest honour in the spiritual world.

“He became the spiritual leader in the Islamic realm of Nigeria,” he said.

Olufemi said that another of their coursemates, retired Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, became the 22nd Chief of Army Staff, and was able to transform the Nigerian Army during his tenure.

“We also had as a member of the Alumni, the Late, His Royal Majesty Homun Honest Irmiya Stephen, Kwire Mana Kpafrato II, the Hama Bachama, who before his demise played a prominent role in the affair of the Alumni.

“This is to show how blessed their Course is.

“The alumni will also pay tribute to fallen colleagues, including Cadet C.O. Okupa, who died during physical training, and those who lost their lives in the 1992 Ejigbo C-130 air crash.

“Today, only 47 of the original 149 members remain.

“This reunion serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of NDA Course 18 and their contributions to Nigeria’s military history,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba