Members of the 17 Regular and Short Service Course on Saturday, 5 April 2025 gathered at the National Defence College Officers' Mess, Abuja to celebrate their Golden Jubilee Anniversary. The ceremony marked 50 years since the graduation of the esteemed course from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
The ceremony marked the 50 years since the esteemed course graduated from the NDA in 1975, comprising of 76 Regular and 53 Short Service Course 9 cadets.
Many of its members have gone on to hold prominent positions in the Nigerian military, government, and private sector.
Speaking at the auspicious ceremony, the Chairman of the occasion, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa extolled the members for their diligent service to the nation.
He noted that the Landmark event is not just a commemoration of years gone by, but also a celebration of the journey, sacrifices and outstanding contributions of the gallant officers who passed through the NDA 50 years ago.
The CDS stated that the anniversary provides an opportunity for the celebrants to reflect on the indelible impact made by the 17 Regular and Short Service Course 9 on the Nigerian armed forces and the nation as a whole.
General Musa reminisced about the journey of the young men who, 50 years ago, took an oath to serve their nation with courage, discipline and professionalism. He emphasised the need to honour their resilience, patriotism and dedication to serving the nation.
He reiterated that members of the 17th and 9 short service course did not just serve, but also shaped the course of the Armed Forces, leaving an indelible mark on the Nigeria’s security architecture many of its members who rose to prominent positions in military leadership, public service, politics, business and other sectors, making significant contributions to national development.
The CDS acknowledged the vital roles of the senior officers in ensuring Nigeria’s territorial integrity, fighting insurgencies and maintaining peace both within and outside the borders. He honoured the memory of course members who paid the supreme price in various military engagements, peacekeeping missions and National Security operations.
General Musa noted that the armed forces’ role extends beyond national security to fostering unity, stability and socio-economic development. He reminded the retired senior.
The President of the Course, Retired Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Atofarati, said members of the course had successful career in the military and contributed immensely to the development of the Nigerian Armed Forces and nation in general.
Atofarati said the course produced a Chief of Defence Staff in the person of Adm. Ola-Saad Ibrahim and a Chief of Army Staff, in the person of Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahaman Dambazau, while some of them became senators and ambassadors.
He said the association was formed to cater to the welfare of members who are now senior citizens.
He said that the 17 RC and SSC Course 9 trained together, including cadets, adding that 49 out of the 129 had died, appreciating God for sparing their lives to celebrate the golden jubilee officers of the responsibility that comes with their legacy, emphasizing that their experiences and wisdom will remain invaluable in shaping strategies to keep the nation safe.
In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Chairman, North East Development Commission, Major General Paul Tarfa (Rtd), on behalf of the Alumni Association of 17 regular and short service course 9, expressed gratitude to the CDS and other guests for attending and congratulated alumni for their milestone achievements.
The Golden Jubilee Anniversary celebration featured a series of events, including a cultural display, presentation of Jubilee souvenirs, and the cutting of the anniversary cake.