President Muhammadu Buhari has charged Nigerians to drop personal and sectional aspirations for the overall interest of the nation.
Buhari gave the charge on Saturday while delivering his address at the Nigerian Defense Academy (NDA) Kaduna for the Passing out Parade/Commissioning and Oath Taking Ceremony of the 67 Regular Course and Short Service Course 46 (Army).
The President, who was the Reviewing Officer/Special Guest of Honour at the ceremony, asked Nigerians to ensure their actions and words were targeted at strengthening the nation’s democratic frameworks.
He however appealed to all to espouse patriotism in all they do, putting the country first, the diversities, and the differences among the various peoples of the country notwithstanding.
“The loyalty and patriotism displayed by our service personnel must be sustained and strengthened. To my other compatriots, I want to use this forum to appeal to our sense of patriotism.
“Despite our obvious differences, we must strive to ensure that our actions and utterances are aimed towards strengthening our democratic framework.
“We must subsume our personal and sectional interests to the overall national aspirations of unity, economic prosperity and good governance,” the President said.
The President assured his administration would continue to devote attention and resources to the fight against all forms of crimes in different parts of the country, including the Boko Haram terrorism in the Northeast and banditry/kidnapping the Northwest.
“We remained focused in the fight against insurgency, armed banditry and other forms of criminality across the nation.
“We remain committed to ending the security challenges bedeviling the country. I am confident that the training received by the passing out cadets has adequately equipped them to face any challenges in their line of duty,” he said.
Addressing the newly graduated cadets, the President charged them to be prepared to carry out their duties in defence of the country, charging them particularly to be ready to cope with the steadily changing nature of the challenges they would have to attend to.
“This is so, specifically coming at a time of great need for cohesion, peace and unity in our country. I must commend the resilience and steadfastness of our personnel in the Armed Forces for their professionalism and bravery in tackling the menace of terrorism, insurgency and armed banditry in the North East and North West zones as well as herders/farmers conflict, kidnapping, piracy and communal clashes in other parts of our country.
“All these accomplishments in our national security have been made possible by the untiring efforts of our military and other security agencies.
“Soon you will join your senior colleagues in the field and you will be expected to contribute your part in the defence of your country.
“With the quality of training you have received, I am convinced that you will discharge your duties professionally and responsibly. I can say without ambiguity that the future holds promise for our national defence and security,” he said.