The President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has commended the military for the “significant progress made in restoring peace and normalcy in many of the flash points across the country.”
Dangote spoke at the 31st convocation ceremony of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna, where he, alongside some prominent Nigerians were awarded honorary doctorate degrees.
In an acceptance speech on behalf of the awardees, he said Nigeria remains a great nation blessed with people of remarkable entrepreneurial and indomitable spirit to survive and overcome adversity.
He expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to continue to perform her role as a leading light in Africa.
“I am humbled and greatly honoured to make this acceptance speech on behalf of these most illustrious sons of our country; two of whom have served our country with dedication and commitment through their lifetimes.
“Alhaji Ahmed Joda an eminent statesman, and General Attahiru, a great soldier, are both being honoured posthumously.
“May Allah bless their souls and reward them with Aljannat Fidau.
“These awards conferred on us at the 31st Convocation Ceremony of the cadets and post-graduates delights us all because it is coming from the Nigerian Defence Academy; an iconic institution that has produced gallant officers and gentlemen who have defended our dear country Nigeria from all forms of aggression – internal and external, whose courage and valour has been applauded across our continent and beyond.
“Even as we speak, our gallant soldiers are at various fronts defending the lives and properties of our citizens.
“We must commend the military leaders for the significant progress that has been made in restoring the peace and normalcy in many of the flash points across the country”, Dangote said.
According to the business mogul, Nigeria’s future is bright “and it is only a matter of time before everything falls into place. This is a worthy goal for all of us gathered here today.”
He applauded the Armed Forces for their consistent efforts in keeping the peace and ensuring adequate security in Nigeria.
While thanking the military for doing the best for the country, Dangote said, “without peace and security, there would be chaos and development would be inhibited”.
“Your efforts have equally encouraged some of us in the private sector to invest in the country’s economy, in a bid to ensure growth, employment generation and development.
“This is exemplified by our ongoing Dangote Refinery project, which is a game-changer for our beloved nation, among other investments,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to the Governing Council of the NDA for “the great honour bestowed on us, which we hold dear, that the awardees will
do their best to continue to justify the confidence reposed in them for their various activities and interest in ensuring a better country for all.
He said, “Any nation that aspires to be great must overcome its challenges, and for our beloved country Nigeria, the process is ongoing to achieve a worthwhile goal. We will surely get there sooner than later.
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He congratulated the graduands for successfully completing their various courses in the first-rate military institution in sub-Saharan Africa and urged you them “to keep the flag flying as I wish you resounding success in your careers.”
By John Shiklam in Kaduna
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