In a ceremony described as unprecedented in the history of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General CG Musa commissioned multiple projects within the NDA4 on Thursday, January 16, 2025.
Among the completed projects, under the leadership of NDA Commandant Major General JO Ochai, are 21 operational vehicles for various functions—ranging from buses and an ambulance to gun trucks, troop carriers, and Toyota Hilux trucks. Further developments include a children’s park and sports center at the NDA Primary School in Afaka, as well as an ultramodern Emergency and Trauma Centre at the NDA Hospital, equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment for trauma care.
Additional projects comprise the NDA Basic Officers Training Wing, which houses battalion offices and 50-room hostels, along with new departmental buildings for the Department of Defense and Security Studies, the Department of Psychology, and a block of classrooms and offices.
The CDS also visited the NDA Officers’ Mess and Golf Club, where he inaugurated Hole 1 of the club and performed the groundbreaking ceremony for 39 studios and suites at the Officers’ Mess, commemorating members of the 39 Regular Course. To honor his contributions, he also commissioned the General CG Musa Orchard.
Expressing his satisfaction with these transformative projects, the CDS commended Major General JO Ochai for his visionary leadership, which has brought multiple initiatives to fruition, positively impacting training, welfare, and healthcare.
“Today marks a historic milestone in the academy’s industrious journey as the premier institution for military leadership, generalship, and character development. These facilities—spanning training, medical, administrative, and recreational amenities—are essential pillars of excellence, empowering the Academy to fulfill its mandate of producing officers of the highest caliber and quality,” he stated.
General Musa emphasized that these projects are crucial for enabling the NDA’s vision to develop a robust, innovative, and adaptive military force. He also underscored the Academy’s commitment to providing its cadets with the best possible facilities and resources for training.
According to General Musa, the NDA symbolizes Nigeria’s commitment to defense and security, embodying national values of courage, loyalty, and sacrifice. “It is here that leaders are nurtured, trained, and equipped with the intellect and truth needed to defend the integrity and sovereignty of our nation. The investments in the NDA are fundamentally aimed at ensuring stability, security, unity, and prosperity for our dear nation,” he concluded.
During the day’s events, Major General JO Ochai remarked that the commissioned projects are designed to enhance the environment and provide a conducive atmosphere for both staff and cadets to excel, serving as motivation for them to perform at their best. He stated, “In a changing world, we must embrace change. Modern warfare is evolving, and therefore, the training of cadets must adapt to meet the demands of the modern battlefield.”
As the academy community gathered to witness the significant commissioning of these completed projects, the President of the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Oghogho Musa, also participated in the day’s activities. She commissioned the recently established NDA Boarding Secondary School, a brainchild of Major General JO Ochai. Additionally, Mrs. Musa performed the groundbreaking ceremonies for the NDA Skills Acquisition Centre, the NDA Officers Wives Association (NDAOWA) Secretariat, and the NDA Maternity Centre, a project initiated by members of the NDA Regular Course 38.
The day’s events reflect the visionary and transformative leadership of NDA’s current Commandant, Major General JO Ochai. Since taking over command, he has initiated a plan that has expanded the NDA both in infrastructure and capacity.
Highlights of the event included presentations of souvenirs, as well as musical renditions by the NDA dance band and the Nigerian Air Force band.
#PresidentialVillaUpdate
