The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, says the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain resolute in upholding the peace and security of the nation.

Mr Abubakar stated this at the ‘Beating of the Retreat’ prize-giving ceremony in honour of the passing out  Cadets of 71 Regular Course, Direct Short Service Course 28 Army and 32 Air Force at the Nigerian Defence Academy on Wednesday in Kaduna.

The air force chief said they were fully aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ for a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.

He explained that beating the retreat was an age-long military tradition that dates back to several centuries when the sounding of the retreat was used to recall nearby patrolling and fighting units to their camps at sunset.

Mr Abubakar said the tradition has since evolved in form and conduct.

Mr Abubakar said, ”I am glad to note that the NDA,  as a repository of military customs, has been very steadfast in upholding this tradition. In the Academy, the beating of the retreat forms part of activities to mark the end of a successful training year.

“It also provides an avenue for rewarding hard work and excellence through the presentation of prizes to individual cadets and cadet battalions that have distinguished themselves in military training and sporting activities.”

Mr Abubakar congratulated the Champion Battalion and the individual award winners for their outstanding performances.

“The awards presented to you are meant to encourage and motivate you to double your efforts for optimal performance in the field. This gesture also shows that there is always reward for hard work, and hard work does not go unnoticed. Your hard work, discipline, and commitment have brought you to this moment, and you have earned the right to be proud,” Mr Abubakar stressed.

He told the cadets that, with everything in life, the end of one phase signalled the beginning of another, adding, ”Just as one sunset leads to a new sunrise, today marks not just the end of your training but the beginning of your service to our great nation.”

The air force boss said, “As you prepare to be commissioned as officers, remember that the hopes and aspirations of our country rest on your shoulders.”

(NAN)