The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Chinedu Nnebeife, says the army remains steadfast in defending the sovereignty and peace of the nation.

Mr Nnebeife said this on Thursday at the 14th Valedictory Service of 2026 graduating students of Command Day Secondary School, Akure, Ondo State. 

The GOC, a special guest of honour at the event, represented by Anthony Ochigbo, said the peace of the country was not negotiable.

Mr Nnebeife said the sacrifices being made daily by gallant officers and soldiers were to ensure a safe and prosperous Nigeria, one where the dreams of Nigerians could become reality.

The GOC, who charged the graduating students to remain ambassadors of the school, said the discipline, loyalty, integrity and excellence the school instilled in them should be their watchword in the future.

According to him, the army will continue to review and strengthen its personnel welfare, introduce modern learning tools and sustain capacity-building efforts to ensure that command schools remain among the best in Nigeria.

“To the class of 2026, go forth with courage. Let the world see the strength, intelligence, and leadership that a command education has given you.

“You are not just the leader of tomorrow; you are the leader of now, and remember that you are the product of a system that believes in excellence, resilience, and service,” he said.

In his welcome address, Commandant, Command Day Secondary School, Akure, Ondo State, Shamsudeen Zailani, said the celebration was a recognition of the discipline, resilience, perseverance, and commitment which brought students to their remarkable moment.

Mr Zailani appreciated the teachers and staff for their commitment, patience, and professionalism throughout the students’ academic journey.

“To graduating students, today is both an ending and a beginning. As you leave these familiar classrooms, you step into a world filled with opportunities and challenges.

“As you pursue higher education, vocational training, entrepreneurship, or other aspirations, remain focused on your goals, uphold the virtues you have learned, and never stop striving for excellence.

“Be courageous in the face of challenges, resilient during difficult times, and confident in your ability to make meaningful contributions to your communities and our nation,” he said.

Also, Head of Department (HOD), Cyber Security Department, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Olufunso Alowolodu, who gave a lecture, tasked the students to be problem-solvers, not otherwise.

Ms Alowolodu emphasised that discipline and resilience learned in school guided real-world decisions, and people should not see education as a scam.

The lecturer described education as an essential tool for personal and societal advancement, even if the certificate was not directly used.

She, therefore, urged the students to use what they taught in the school as a foundation and basis for what they would meet in the future.

“So, it’s whatever the discipline and the resilience you, as a student, have learned here that will work for you out there.

“Remember that education is not just for you to become an employee; it is for you to be able to provide solutions to the prevailing problems in your environment,” she said.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of students’ academic awards from JSS 1 to JSS 3 and from SS 1 to SS 2. 

(NAN)