…says Their Sacrifice Will Never Be Forgotten
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shuaibu, on Saturday unveiled a cenotaph and laid wreaths in honour of 11 Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA, Naval Cadets of 41 Regular Course at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School, Onne, Rivers State.
According to a statement signed by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS described the event as a solemn reminder of the Armed Forces’ values of honour, courage, discipline and selfless service.
Speaking at the ceremony, Lt. Gen. Shuaibu said: “I stand with profound reverence, deep humility and a solemn sense of duty to honour my coursemates who paid the ultimate sacrifice during training at the then Nigerian Naval College, Onne.”
He explained that the cenotaph honours 11 young patriots who died on 23 July 1990 when their boat capsized during a training exercise at the College waterfront.
”23 first-year NDA naval cadets were undergoing routine training when their boat collided with a stationary jetty and capsized, resulting in the loss of 11 promising officers-in-the-making,”_ he stated, describing it as _”one of the saddest chapters in the history of military training in Nigeria.”
The COAS noted that the monument will inspire future officers to put national interest above self.
”To the families of the departed cadets, I assure you that the sacrifice of your loved ones will never be forgotten by the Armed Forces of Nigeria or by a grateful nation. Their names are permanently etched on this monument, in our military history and in our hearts,”he added.
Also speaking, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibrahim Abbas, represented by Rear Admiral J. N. Mamman, said the cenotaph provides,”a special opportunity for remembrance and reflection”_ and prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed cadets.
COAS Unveils Cenotaph for 11 Fallen NDA Naval Cadets in Onne
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