By Sumaila Ogbaje
Former Chief of Defence Staff, retired Air Marshal Al-Amin Dagash, has called for a new culture of practical and principled leadership among military officers in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Dagash, one-time Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), made the call on Saturday night in Abuja at the 30th Anniversary Reunion Dinner of the NDA 47th Regular Course.
He said he personally welcomed the 47th Course as young cadets in August 1995 during his tenure as Commandant.
Dagash said the celebration was not only a milestone but also an opportunity to reflect on three decades of sacrifice, service, and shared destiny.
According to him, the enduring values of the NDA which are discipline, loyalty, perseverance and excellence, remain the bedrock of effective officer-ship.
He said the complexity of today’s threats required officers to demonstrate leadership that is hands-on, adaptable and inspiring.
“In this age of multifaceted national and global challenges, Nigeria needs leaders who do more than command.
“We need mentors who can inspire confidence, share lessons of experience, and guide the next generation with integrity and courage,” he said.
The former defence chief praised the 47th Regular Course for conceiving the reunion as a platform for solidarity, honouring fallen colleagues, and supporting widows and less privileged members.
He described such gestures as the highest ideals of comradeship and humanity, while underscoring the role of families in sustaining officers through their careers.
“Throughout your service years, it was your spouses and families who steadied your homes while you answered the call of duty.
“Their sacrifices, though often unseen, are immeasurable.
“As you celebrate this historic anniversary, I remind you that to whom much is given, much is expected.
“Nigeria has invested in you, trusted you, and depended on you. That trust must never be taken lightly.
“Continue to serve with loyalty, lead with courage, and inspire with integrity,” he added.
Earlier, the President of 47 RC and Director-General, National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, said the reunion reminded them of where they began and who they truly are.
Nafiu said the story of the 47 Regular Course was not merely a chapter in the history of the NDA and the armed forces but a living testimony of resilience, sacrifice, and service.
“Today, we gather to celebrate 30 years of our coming together as brothers in arms and the silver Jubilee of our Presidential commissioning.
“This obviously is no ordinary reunion. It is a landmark moment, marking three decades of brotherhood.
“We entered the NDA as young, raw, and energetic men. We got moulded in fire and discipline, hardened through drills and long endurance runs that saw the course produce both Academy horses and tortoises.
“What seemed at first like punishment turned out to be preparation. Those days forged in us loyalty, courage, endurance, and the undying bond of brotherhood; values that have carried us through life’s battles,” he said.
Nafiu remembered their fallen colleagues and urged those alive to remember that reunion was never just about the past but also about the future.
According to him, the future of the 47 Regular Course will be defined not only by the history they have made, but by the choices they make now to stay together, support one another, and channel their collective strength into something bigger than themselves.
He urged them to harness strength, build lasting bridges of mentorship for the next generation, be a refuge for one another in times of need, and leave footprints so clear in their communities.
The dinner drew serving and retired officers, spouses, and dignitaries from across the country, while paying tribute to the contributions of the 47th Course, many of whom now hold senior command and staff appointments within and outside the Armed Forces. (NAN)