COAS inaugurates counter terrorism, insurgency village at NDA
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt..-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, on Tuesday inaugurated a Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Village at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, to deepen the training of cadets.
“The village is a place where the right and current scenarios could be painted to the cadets so that they can practice what they will be facing in the field.
“Particularly, the village is named after our former leader Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja of blessed memory who gave his all to Nigeria. He was very pragmatic and a first class field officer. Naming the village after him is quite apt and we are proud of him till eternity,” Oluyede said.
The COAS also inaugurated other projects to enhance the welfare of cadets and personnel.
The projects include the Army wing auditorium; a 30-man quarters for corporals and below; and the Commanding Officer’s house at the 37 NDA Demonstration Battalion.
Oluyede also laid the foundation for the construction of a 500-seat cadets mess; and two blocks of classrooms, administrative block, and a girls’ hostel at the NDA Boarding Secondary School.
He said that the projects were designed to provide conducive learning environment for the cadets and enhance the overall quality of military training at the institution.
The COAS said that the NDA as a place where future leaders of the Armed Forces of Nigeria are moulded, will continue to receive necessary attention to strengthen its capacity.
Oluyede also assured that resources provided to the Army by government will continue to be judiciously utilised to enhance the welfare and combat readiness of officers and soldiers at all times.
The Army chief lauded the NDA Commandant for leading by example, and deploying resources in the right direction.
The COAS also toured the academy, inspected ongoing projects and facilities being provided to enhance cadets’ training and welfare.
Earlier, the NDA Commandant, Major General John Ochai, said the transformation NDA was going through has manifested in the quality of the leadership and training being given to the cadets.
Ochai said, “Knowledge and character make an officer and if we must give priority to any, it has to be character. Without character you can’t be a good officer. We will sustain the transformational changes. We will continue to produce sound future officers for the armed forces.”’
The high points of the event was a simulation of response and rescue to attacks by troops of 37 NDA Demo Battalion. There was also a combat display by the cadets.
