The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) hosted its annual Christmas Carols Night on Saturday,17 December, 2023, bringing together staff,families as well as Cadets of the Academy.
The event which took place at the NDA Auditorium featured an array of carols and musical performances by cadets choirs, NDA Band and eight other invited choirs from Kaduna and Jaji.
In his opening remarks Commandant NDA,Major General JO Ochai, expressed his delight at the special occasion, he also praised Dr Emmanuel Ella, Head of the Music Department, University of Jos, for bringing his musical expertise and experience to the event.
He added that Judges were brought to the Carol to identify excellence so that those those who have exhibited talents rewarded.
The Commandant emphasized the importance of the Christmas Carols Night in creating a festive atmosphere for the Cadets before they embark on their Academy break.He encouraged everyone to actively participate and enjoy the evening's performances.
The Special Guest of Honour ( SGOH) Maj Gen EAP Undiandeye, delivered the Bible reading from the Gospel of Saint Matthew, Chapter 1,verses 1-12, highlighting the significance of the birth of Jesus Christ and the celebration of Christmas.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Deputy Commandant NDA, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) SK Aneke, expressed his gratitude to the Commandant for hosting a most colorful an historic event at the Academy.AVM Aneke also acknowledged the efforts of the participating choirs and praised the NDA Cadets for their captivating performances.He extended Merry Christmas and happy new year wishes to all.
The 2023 NDA Christmas Carol Night marked a significant inclusion, as it featured guest choirs from churches outside the NDA for the first time.Eight participating choirs from military churches in Kaduna and Jaji, including Catholic and Protestant choirs from 1 Div, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Infantry Corps Center,Jaji, Nigerian Air Force Base Kaduna, and NDA,graced the event.
Highpoints of the event included presentation of prizes to the participating choirs,Hallelujah Chorus by all Choristers and presentation of souvenirs the SGOH as well as other esteemed guests.
As a longstanding tradition in Christendom,the singing of Christmas Carol allows Christian faithful to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.The NDA Christmas Carol Night provided an evening of joy and celebration, fostering unity and goodwill among attendees who came from religious faithfuls.
Distinguished and guests were from various armed forces formations,including the General Officer Commanding,1 Division (1 Div),Nigerian Army, Major General Valentine Okoro,Air Officer Commanding,Air Tactical Command represented and the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye, who served as the Special Guest of Honour.
