The chief of training (Nigerian Navy), Abdulrasheed Haruna, has charged passing-out cadets of the Nigerian Defence Academy to uphold democratic values and safeguard Nigeria’s national interests.

Mr Haruna delivered the charge at the Beating of the Retreat and Prize-Giving Ceremony for the 2025/2026 training session at the RSM Oliver Nzalgana Parade Ground, Afaka, Kaduna, according to a statement on Friday.

He urged the cadets to remain vigilant, disciplined and committed to their professional responsibilities as they prepare for commissioning into the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Mr Haruna commended the NDA for its sustained commitment to excellence and its role in producing highly trained officers capable of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He urged the cadets to contribute meaningfully to addressing evolving security challenges in Nigeria and allied nations, stressing that their future responsibilities would require discipline, vigilance and unwavering commitment to duty.

Mr Haruna also reminded the cadets of the importance of remaining faithful to the constitutional and democratic values they were expected to uphold as military professionals. He described the event as an age-long military tradition that celebrates the resilience, discipline and achievements of military personnel.

He encouraged battalions that did not win trophies during the training year to draw inspiration from their colleagues’ achievements and use the experience to motivate greater accomplishments in future competitions.

The commandant of the NDA, Oluyemi Olatoye, reaffirmed the academy’s commitment to producing officers who were physically fit, mentally sound and morally upright.

Mr Olatoye said the ceremony provided an opportunity to reflect on military traditions while celebrating achievements recorded during the 2025/2026 training year. He urged the graduating cadets to uphold the values acquired at the Academy and let them guide their character, discipline, and professional conduct throughout their military careers.

Mogadishu Battalion emerged as champion battalion after securing five trophies in various competitions during the 2025/2026 training cycle. Collito Company emerged as the champion company in Ashanti Battalion competitions.

Individual cadets were also honoured for outstanding performances in drills, sports, judo, taekwondo and other military activities.

(NAN)