By Mohammad Tijjani
Maj.-Gen.Oluyemi Olatoye has resumed duty as the 34th Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, on Monday .
The News Agency of NIgeria (NAN) reports that Olatoye took over from Ibrahim who retired from active military service .
NAN also reports that prior to his appointment as the Commandant, NDA , he was the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division Nigerian Army, Enugu.
The new commandant expressed gratitude to God to lead the prestigious institution as the 34th commandant.
He appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu for the appointment and trust placed in him.
He also commended the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede for his guidance and mentorship.
Olatoye appreciated the outgone commandant for his contributions and professionalism.
He pledged to uphold the academy’s mission and values.
Olatoye emphasised his commitment to maintaining and enhancing the academy’s standards, building on the foundation laid by previous commandants.
He urged the staff and Cadets to share advice and engage with him freely., expressing desire to give back to the academy, which he said had contributed to his success.
“The academy belongs to all, and collaboration is key to its success, “he said.
Earlier, the outgone commandant, retired Maj.-Gen. Abdul Ibrahim, reflected on his six-month tenure, highlighting improvements in discipline, augmentation, and infrastructure development in spite of financial constraints.
He said the successes recorded were the contributions of staff and the cadets.
Ibrahim appealed for continued cooperation and support to the new commandant .
He appreciated the current Chief of Defence Staff and the immediate Past Chief of Army Staff for the confidence and opportunity to lead the academy.
Ibrahim emphasised the importance of maintaining high standards to ensure the safety and well-being of the cadets.
He said, “The mission of the Nigerian Defence Academy remains unchanged: To produce high-quality junior officers for the armed forces.”
Ibrahim sought for continued teamwork and cooperation under the new leadership. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)