Former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin (CFR), was among a retinue of alumni of the Nigerian Military School at commencement of activities to mark the school’s 70th anniversary celebrations, yesterday.
Speaking at the end of a 12km route march to mark the commencement of activities to celebrate the milestone, Gen. Olonisakin, who is a member of the NMS 1973 set, said the school has, indeed, played its part in helping to keep Nigeria united.
“The Nigerian Military School Zaria nurtured many of us and contributed to who we are today. Indeed, the school has lost quite a number of its alumni in providing security for the country and that is important to note. As it marks 70 years, it can be said that the school has gone a long way in meeting its mandate.”
The Nigerian Military School, Zaria is Nigeria’s premier military secondary school. Established on May 20, 1954, in its 70 years of existence, it has trained young Nigerians from all states of the country, who have gone on to occupy strategic leadership positions in the country, occupied critical roles in the military and become renowned leaders in the private sector.
Gen. Olonisakin called on all alumni to rise to the task of supporting the ex-boys association. “Being part of an association is good. I want to encourage those of us who are ex-boys to continue to be part of the celebrations and contribute all that we can, to make it worthwhile,” he said.
Also present at the event was a member of the 1958 set, Col. John Okoli (retd).
“NMS always holds fond memories for me, even after all these years. It was the beginning of our different journeys. I am always excited to be a part of any gathering of ex-boys. NMS created a bond among its alumni that transcends ethnicity or religion and even generations. You learned that from NMS. Ever since the first day, I attended one of the association’s events seven years ago, I always feel the same excitement,” Col. Okoli said.
Among participants of the 12km route march were ex-Junior Airmen and Airwomen of the Airforce Military Schools, ex-students of the Nigeria Navy Secondary School and old students of Unity schools based in the FCT.
Notable alumni of NMS include the likes of late Maj. Gen. Tunde Idiagbon; former Senate president, David Mark; former SGF, Babachir Lawal; former governor of Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello; current chairman, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd) and countless others.
It also includes many past and present service chiefs such as the present Chiefs of Air and Naval Staffs, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar and Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, as well as sportsmen such as Olympic gold medallist, Enefiok Udo; and renowned professionals such as the CEO of Cedarcrest Hospitals, Dr. Felix Ogedegbe.
Other events lined up include an anniversary emblem launch and a golf tournament on Saturday; a football tournament from May 17-19, 2024. The anniversary date, May 20, 2024 will be marked at the school in Zaria with a Foundation Day parade, public lecture and ceremonial tree planting event.