In appreciation for his unwavering support and magnanimity to orphans and the less privileged in their community, the Afaka Community (TAC), in Igabi Local Government Area Kaduna State,has honoured the Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy(NDA), Major General JO Ochai with a merit award.The colourful and well attended investiture ceremony held on13 January 2024 at the Skill Acquisition Centre,Mando Market,Kaduna.
At the event which witnessed presentation of scholarships and educational support materials to orphans and the less privileged,the Commandant, who was represented by the Deputy Commandment NDA, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) SK Aneke, extended his goodwill,and the assurances of his continued support towards the progress of the TAC
AVM Aneke further relayed the Commandant's happiness at being honoured with such an award.He thanked the community for creating a peaceful environment for the Academy to carry out its activities successfully.
Describing the Afaka community as a good host, the Deputy Commandant promised to relay all the community's requests to the Commandant.He also assured them of the Commandant's readiness to always support the community within the limited resources available to him.He aplauded the organisers of the event for their efforts, noting that it offers an opportunity to the less privileged in the society to achieve their dreams of greatness.
Speaking on behalf of the Afaka Community,the District Head of Rigasa , (Dangaladiman Zazzau) Architect Aminu Idris represented by Alhaji Sidi Aliyu, (JakadanGundumar Afaka), thanked the NDA Commandant for his various interventions that have positively impacted the lives of orphans and the less privileged in Afaka community, as well as the generally improving security in the area.
Through the NDA 37 Demo Battalion,whose troops, he noted, are always patrolling the general area to ensure the safety of the residents and their property. He however pleaded with Academy to assist the Afaka community by fixing the dilapidated bridge linking Lema and Mando communities.
During the event,hundreds of orphans benefitted from the community's scholarship programme.The event also featured the presentation of awards and certificate of appreciation dignitaries, schools and individuals for various philanthropic works. Educational materials including school bags , uniforms, shoes, exercise books, and many other items were also presented to the orphans and less privileged.
The event was attended by Principal Staff Officer of NDA, Councilor representing Afaka Ward,traditional title holders, religious and community leaders
Recalled that recently,the Nigerian Defence Academy donated hundreds of school uniforms to the Afaka community at the instance of the Commandant NDA.
