Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, has called on Nigerians to uphold discipline, loyalty, and resilience as essential values in addressing the nation’s challenges.
He made the appeal in Abuja on Saturday night at the 38th anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Military School (NMS) Class of 1982, where he spoke as a proud alumnus.
Reflecting on his days in Zaria, Marwa described NMS as a training ground where boys were transformed into men of character and integrity. “At NMS, no one asked who your father was, what language you spoke, or what faith you professed. We were bound by brotherhood and a common destiny as Nigerians,” he said.
He commended the Class of 1982 for its achievements, particularly for producing two current Service Chiefs — Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar. Marwa also praised their contributions to the school, describing their projects as symbols of loyalty and gratitude.
“Our country today needs more than soldiers with weapons. She needs citizens with character — men and women armed with courage, loyalty, discipline, and resilience,” he added.
In his goodwill message, leadership expert and motivational speaker, Mr. Fela Durotoye, urged the alumni to uphold the values of patriotism, knowledge, and discipline instilled in them at NMS. Drawing inspiration from Africa’s liberation leaders of the 1940s, he said, “Greatness is not about what you hold in your hands but what you carry in your heart.”
Durotoye applauded the set’s adoption of ten pledges centered on integrity, excellence, respect, and building a legacy for future generations.
Also speaking, President of the NMS 82 Alumni Association, retired Lt. Commander Jim Bent, described the reunion as a celebration of lifelong friendship and a recommitment to national service. He noted that the institution had produced achievers in government, business, and the armed forces, including the two current Service Chiefs.
“Our story is still being written. The challenges of our nation call on us, the alumni of NMS, to stand up and be counted. From boys to men, from cadets to leaders, we have dared greatly and we continue to do so,” Bent said.
The event attracted members of the 1982 set from across Nigeria and the diaspora, including participants from the United Kingdom, Canada, and South Africa.