... As Former NDA Commandant Urges Officers to Prepare for Life After Service
Members of the Nigerian Defence Academy Short Service Combatant Course (SSC) 33 on Saturday night held a grand reunion dinner at the Army Headquarters Command Mess 1, Asokoro, Abuja, to celebrate their 22 years of service, shared experiences, and enduring camaraderie.
In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, a former Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Maj.-Gen. Patrick Akpa (rtd), lauded the Short Service Course 33 (SSC 33) of the Nigerian Army for organizing their inaugural reunion dinner, describing the initiative as “worthy of emulation.”
Gen. Akpa recalled his personal attachment to the course, noting that he was involved in planning SSC 33 while serving as Military Secretary in Lagos and was at the NDA when the course passed out in 2003. He further disclosed that his own son also belonged to SSC 33.
He commended the officers for sustaining the bond of camaraderie, even while many are still in service. “A reunion is essentially for veterans, but you have taken it further by reconnecting early, with colleagues, families and even widows of fallen comrades. That is a legacy that should be sustained,” he said
Gen. Akpa reflected on the enduring spirit of course mates in the military, describing them as “brothers from different mothers, bonded by shared hardship and sacrifice.” He urged SSC 33 members to remain united beyond active service and to continue being their “brother’s keeper.”
On career progression, the retired general reminded the officers that promotion in the Army depends on merit and hard work, regardless of whether one is a regular or short service officer. Citing past short service officers who rose to become Chiefs of Army Staff, he stressed that “it is the officer that decorates the rank, not the rank that decorates the officer.”
Turning to family life, Gen. Akpa paid tribute to military wives and widows for their resilience in holding the home front while officers are deployed in volatile theatres. “Your husbands are heroes, but you are heroines. The Army and government will not abandon you,” he assured.
The former NDA Commandant also advised serving and retired officers to prepare early for post-service life, stressing the importance of financial security, discipline, and prudence in business ventures. He cautioned against rushing into risky investments or politics without proper grounding. “The day you are commissioned is the day you should start thinking about retirement,” he noted.
Gen. Akpa emphasized that military training and education equip officers with skills that remain highly relevant in civil life. He urged them to leverage their leadership experience for opportunities in security, ICT, real estate, agriculture, and other sectors after retirement.
He concluded by praising SSC 33’s spirit of unity and innovation. “By staging this reunion, you have done something unprecedented. May the memory of your fallen comrades remain eternal, and may the bonds of your brotherhood never fade,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the President of the Nigerian Army Short Service Course (SSC) 33, Colonel Kikechukwu Akabike, in his , described the gathering as a “momentous occasion” that reflected both the sacrifices and triumphs of members since their commissioning over two decades ago.
He noted that the bonds forged during training and subsequent service have stood the test of time, adding that SSC 33 remains a family united by shared trials, triumphs, and dedication to the nation.
He emphasized that the course has continued to leave “an indelible mark on the fabric of Nigeria’s military history,” producing officers of character, courage, and commitment to credible leadership.
The event also provided an opportunity to honor fallen colleagues. “We are mindful of the departed members of our Corps, who may no longer be with us in body, but whose memories and legacies continue to inspire us,” he added.
Colonel Akabike expressed appreciation to the special guests of honor, members of the High Table, and all attendees for gracing the occasion. He also commended the reunion planning committee for working tirelessly to ensure a successful event.
The reunion dinner, attended by senior military officers, dignitaries, and families of members, featured reminiscences of training days, tributes to departed comrades, and a renewed commitment to upholding the values of service and unity.
