The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has praised the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) 18 Regular Course for their unwavering unity and remarkable contributions to national development, both during active service and in retirement.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the 50th Anniversary Reunion of the 18RC held at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess, Asokoro, Abuja, Matawalle described the occasion as a celebration of sacrifice, leadership, and enduring brotherhood.
“It is a great honour for me to be with you tonight on this glorious and unique occasion,” he said. “Out of the 149 cadets who began the course in 1975, only 47 are alive today. We thank God for His mercies and pray for the repose of the souls of your departed colleagues.”
Dr. Matawalle commended the 18RC alumni not only for their distinguished military careers but also for their continued relevance and service to the country long after retirement. “Your post-retirement service to the nation has been commendable and is duly acknowledged,” he stated, emphasizing that the leadership and discipline instilled in military training remain invaluable assets in civil society.
The reunion brought together an array of prominent personalities, including Major General Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu (Rtd) CFR; the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar CFR mni, the Sultan of Sokoto; Lt. General OA Ihejirika (Rtd) CFR, former Chief of Army Staff; and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher G. Musa, OFR.
The Minister expressed particular pride in the presence of members of the 18RC who have gone on to hold highly respected positions in the country, noting: “His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar CFR mni, the Sultan of Sokoto, who is my father and is here with us tonight, is a member of the 18 Regular Course, along with Lt Gen Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd), a former Chief of Army Staff.”
Dr. Matawalle also lauded the Course President, who currently chairs the Ministry of Defence Veterans Welfare Committee, for his ongoing contributions to the welfare of retired personnel.
Calling on other NDA alumni groups to draw inspiration from the unity of 18RC, the Minister said: “This event shows what can be achieved through unity within a course. I therefore appeal to other NDA courses to emulate the 18 Regular Course and unite for the benefit of their members and the nation.”
The NDA 18 Regular Course, which commenced on June 30, 1975, with 149 cadets—74 from the Regular Combatant Course and 75 from Short Service Course 10—has become a symbol of long-lasting service, leadership, and national loyalty.
The 50th anniversary celebration not only honoured the legacy of a remarkable cohort but also highlighted the importance of unity, shared purpose, and continued service in advancing national development.
“I wish the course many more years of celebrations in good health and happiness,” Matawalle concluded. “For your departed colleagues, may their souls rest in peace.”