Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, has urged students to shun cultism, avoid illegal gatherings and bad companies.
“This is the only way you can stay out of trouble,” Dada said on Saturday at the 18th Annual Speech and Prize Giving Day of the Command Day Secondary School, Enugu for the end of the 2022/2023 academic session.
The GOC, represented by Brig.-Gen. Damian Dieke, Director 82 Division Education Service, said that it was heartwarming to note that the school had gone extra miles in fulfilling its aim of building useful citizens and leaders for the Nigerian society in its entirety.
According to him, Command Day Secondary School has still maintained its avowed commitment in bringing out the potential moral and academic excellence in you (students).
“You must therefore always remember that you have been well equipped with the requisite academic footing and discipline which is the focus of this school. This should steer you in the next direction of your journey in life.
“We congratulate you all (students) and also join your very proud parents to celebrate you on this great and remarkable day of your lives,” he said.
The GOC noted that the students of the school had been well groomed in discipline, knowledge and sound moral, adding that “our students have been prepared in all ramifications to withstand life challenges as they move ahead.”
Dada said that as the Chairman of the School Governing Board, he was well informed of the school’s challenges, adding that he would leave no stone unturned in addressing the challenges to ensure its continued growth and development.
The Commander of Nigerian Army Education Corp (NAEC), Maj.-Gen. B.A. Tsoho, urged the students, teaching staff and support staff to keep the flag flying and continue in “the academic excellence the school is known for.”
Tsoho advised the graduating students to be good ambassadors of the school and the Nigerian Army; thus, “portraying the sound training and nurture given to you within the six years of your stay.”
“I wish you all well in your future pursuit and advise you to remain focused and disciplined to soar higher in life as the society needs your great input,” he said.
In a motivational lecture, Dr Ndidi Iheama, urged the graduating students to strive for excellence and be focused, adding that it was only through being focused and hardworking one can maintain success in life.
Iheama, who is a Senior Lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, said: “No one should deceive you, there is no short cut to enduring success; you must be ready to put in the hard-work, be patient, prayerful and focused.”
In a welcome address, Lt.-Col. Victor Burak, the Commandant of the Command Day Secondary School, Enugu, lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja; the GOC and Commander of NAEC for supporting the school both in man-power and infrastructural needs.
Burak said: “Our journey so far is a testament of relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation packed with determination, perseverance, dedication and selfless service.
“In pursuit of excellence, our school is always committed to painstakingly designed programmes for both academic and physical fitness activities without any shade of compromise on character engineering and cultural awareness all.”
The Best Graduating Student of the school, Master Kenechukwu Amaraizu, thanked the school management and teachers for their efforts in molding their character and bringing the best out of all the students.
Amaraizu, who will be representing Enugu State in a National Mathematics Quiz was full of praises for the Army and the school management.
“I want to thank the Nigerian Army, 82 Division and the school management for ensuring sound education predicated on discipline in our lives,” he said.
