King Bubaraye Dokolo laying foundation of 38 rooms accommodation for members of the 38 Regular Course on Friday in Kaduna
By Ibrahim Danfulani
The Chairman of Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, has called on the Federal Government to establish an institution to engender unity and discipline amongst Nigerians.
Dakolo made the call at the foundation laying and ground breaking ceremony of legacy projects and tree planting by the members of the 38th Regular Course (RC) Association of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), on Friday in Kaduna.
Dakolo, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event, who is also a member of the NDA 38 RC.
He said that the establishment of a non military institution or academy where Nigerians would be fused together irrespective of where they came from, would engender unity and discipline amongst them.
Dakolo urged parents to instill the virtues of discipline and unity in their children.
Beyond doing that, he said, the parents must groom their children in the direction of discipline and unity, stating that the foundation for every child was critical.
“By encouraging unity and discipline, Nigeria can move closer to becoming a more prosperous nation.
”The NDA’s commitment to academic excellence, military training, and community service serves as a model for institutions that can bring people together and foster national unity,”Dakolo said.
Speaking further, the traditional ruler said the groundbreaking for the accommodation of the rooms was a testament to the members’ unity as one family joined by NDA 38 years ago.
“38 years later, we still remain together as one. Our resolve for the 38 accomodation is a legacy that will stand a taste of time and be useful to humanity,” he said.
Also, Mrs Hauwa-Kulu Pani, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the tree planting exercise, said it was significant and went beyond just environmental conservation.
Pani, who is a Geologist and Environmental Scientist, added that it symbolised unity and discipline among the members, who have remained together as one family for 38 years.
“As the trees grow and flourish, the memorial park will become a vibrant example of environmental stewardship, education, and community engagement, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
“The tree planting exercise also highlights the importance of environmental sustainability.
”This initiative not only contributes to a greener environment but also fosters a sense of responsibility and community among the 38 RC members, cadets, and members of the academy as a whole,”she said.
In his address the Commandant of the NDA, Maj.-Gen. John Ochai, said the foundation laying and groundbreaking ceremony of legacy projects, was a testament to the enduring spirit of unity and discipline that defines them.
As an academy, Ochai said, NDA has long recognised the importance of fostering national unity through academic excellence, military training.
He equally said the tree planting exercise, which symbolised the NDA’s commitment to environmental sustainability, was also a powerful reminder of their responsibility to future generations.
“As we move forward, we will continue to uphold the values of unity, discipline, and service that have made us a beacon of hope for Nigeria,”he said.
Earlier, retired Maj.-Gen. Solomon Udounwa, President of the 38th RC association, said the event was a testament to the enduring spirit of unity and discipline that defines them as members of the 38th RC of the academy.
He urged all the members of the 38th RC to continue upholding the values of unity, discipline, and service.
Regimental concert was organised by NDA for members of the 38 RC.
The 38 RC members, comprising officers from the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, during the occasion, recalled with nostalgia their experiences during their training days at the academy and thanked God for soaring their lives.