‘A Course With Character’ — Former CDS Lauds NDA 42 Regular Course at 35th Reunion Anniversary in Abuja, Honours Fallen Heroes

Against the backdrop of shared memories, sacrifice, and service, the 42 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) gathered in Abuja on Saturday to mark its 35th Reunion Anniversary. The occasion, steeped in reflection and renewed purpose, celebrated decades of enduring brotherhood and commitment to national development. Adding depth to the moment, Nigeria’s former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Admiral Ola Ibrahim (rtd), described the course as a generation defined by strong character, resilience, and an uncommon readiness to confront the complex security challenges facing the nation.

Speaking at the prestigious Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites, as Special Guest of Honour at the 35th Reunion Anniversary of the course, Admiral Ibrahim (Rtd) said the defining attribute of the 42 Regular Course was character, an enduring value instilled through rigorous training and mentorship at the NDA, noting that the quality of leadership displayed by the course reflected the foundation laid during their cadet years.

The former Defence Chief paid special tribute to Master Warrant Officer Musa Saliu, a former NDA instructor, whom he described as a father figure whose influence shaped the discipline and character of the course.

“What we are celebrating today would not have been complete without acknowledging instructors like Master Warrant Officer Musa Saliu. He embodies character, and his presence here speaks volumes about the values of the 42 Regular Course,” he said.

Admiral Ibrahim commended the Reunion Planning Committee for the high level of organisation and professionalism displayed during the event, describing the reunion as well-structured, engaging, and befitting the stature of the course.

He noted that the 42 Regular Course belongs to a generation of officers deliberately prepared to manage the turbulence that defines Nigeria’s current security landscape, stressing that many of its members have served in critical sectors and leadership positions across the Armed Forces.

Reflecting on his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff, he recalled being at the forefront of key structural reforms within the military, including the establishment of new divisions in the North-West and North-East, to effectively respond to evolving security threats.

According to him, the persistence of security challenges, porous borders, and external pressures underscores the continued relevance of officers trained to protect Nigeria’s unity and sovereignty.

“Those who thought Nigeria would disintegrate years ago are still at war with that idea. You were trained to ensure that this country does not fall apart on your watch,” he said.

The former CDS urged senior officers within the course to remain connected to one another, stressing that collective effort, mentorship, and unity are essential to sustaining national stability.

He also acknowledged the critical role of spouses and families, describing them as the unseen backbone of military service who sustain the home front while officers discharge national duties.

Admiral Ibrahim expressed pride in being associated with the 42 Regular Course and described the reunion as a homecoming that reaffirmed the enduring brotherhood of NDA alumni. He concluded by blessing the course, its families, and the Armed Forces, reaffirming that the 42 Regular Course would remain remembered as “a course with character.”

Delivering remarks, the Course President, Major General Eyitayo Foluso Oyinlola, described the reunion as a moment of deep reflection, gratitude, and renewed dedication to the ideals that shaped members of the course during their formative years at the NDA.

Oyinlola welcomed members of the course, fondly known as the Patagonia Gulag Force, noting that the gathering went beyond a social reunion to reaffirm the enduring bonds forged through shared sacrifice, discipline, and loyalty.

He recalled the early days at the NDA, where members arrived as young, idealistic officer cadets and were moulded through rigorous training into disciplined leaders of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We arrived as individuals, but we were moulded into a pack. As we were taught then, the strength of the wolf is the pack, and today, by God’s grace, the pack is reunited,” he said.

Major General Oyinlola highlighted the outstanding contributions of members of the Second Regular Combatant Corps, noting that the course has produced generals, admirals, air marshals, and other distinguished leaders who have served Nigeria with excellence across the Armed Forces and beyond.

He described the reunion as a rare opportunity to reconnect, relive shared memories, and strengthen lifelong bonds, urging members to set aside titles and appointments in favour of camaraderie built on shared history.

Looking ahead, the Course President called on members to leverage their collective experience to mentor younger officers, support one another, and contribute meaningfully to national development.

“The strength of a cause is not measured only by its past achievements, but by its continued relevance, unity, and contribution to society,” he said.

He commended the Reunion Planning Committee for its dedication and meticulous organisation of the event and expressed appreciation to spouses and families for their unwavering support throughout years of service. The reunion, according to him, should mark the beginning of renewed collaboration, stronger cohesion, and sustained brotherhood among members of the 42 Regular Course.

The event also featured a solemn moment of remembrance for fallen members of the course who paid the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation. A minute’s silence was observed in honour of the departed officers, whose courage and patriotism, Oyinlola said, remain a lasting legacy within the corps.

The event concluded with goodwill messages and reaffirmation of loyalty to the Nigerian Defence Academy, the Armed Forces, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.