NMS marks 70th Anniversary, entertains participants, dignitaries 

The Nigerian Military School celebrated its 70th Anniversary on May 20, 2024, in a Grand Manner. This Grand Finale Celebration followed a series of activities that started on May 4, 2024, to mark the momentous occasion of the NMS 70th Anniversary.

Brig Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa (NMS 66 Set), the current Chairman/ CEO of NDLEA, was the Reviewing Officer and Special Guest of Honour.

During his remarks, Gen Marwa disclosed that since the establishment of NMS, the School has made tremendous contributions to National Development both within and outside the Armed Forces of Nigeria. He mentioned that NMS has produced seasoned Military Officers of great repute, including Service Chiefs such as the present Chief of Naval Staff , Vice Admiral EI Ogalla and Chief of Air Staff Air, Marshal HB Abubakar.

Gen Marwa appreciated and congratulated the National Leadership of the NMS Exboys Association, led by the Acting President, Exboy Mohammed Baba Marte, for organizing another unique NMS 70th Anniversary Foundation Day. He expressed confidence that the quality of education and solid foundation acquired by the Boys in this prestigious School will serve as a springboard for their future endeavors.

The colorful event was witnessed by dignitaries including the Governor of Kaduna State, represented by the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, the Emir of Zazzau, the Service Chiefs who were represented, and other important dignitaries. Also present were two members of the pioneer set of 1954, Maj Gen IBM Haruna (rtd) and Alh Abubakar Dangaje, Maj Gen Zamani Lekwot (1959 set), Maj Gen MS Saleh (1969 set), several Exboys from various fields of endeavors, as well as Staff and Instructors of the Nigerian Military School.

The day started with a Parade featuring slow and quick time marching. Silent drill and combat march were also displayed to the amazement of the spectators.

Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to surviving members of the first set of NMS 1954, also known as the number 1 platoon, including Maj Gen IBM Haruna Rtd, Brig (NAF) EE Ikwue Rtd, and Alh Abubakar Dangaje. Maj Gen Rowland Ogbonna Rtd (NMS 56 set) was also honoured for suggesting the name NMS in 1959. Other Awards presented included Awards of Excellence for WOI Ibrahim Bandi (NMS RSM from 1981 to 1991), AWO Hamidu Sajo (NMS RSM from 1995 to 1998), AWO Abdullahi Rukuna (NMS RSM from 1998 to 2003), Ex Cpl WW Fakidoma (for composing the NMS Anthem in 2000), and Mr Olufemi Agunbole (Afro) (NMS Photographer from 1969 to date).

Highlights of the events also included the Symbolic Tree Planting Ceremony and the Unveiling of the NMS 70th Anniversary Monument.

Other activities included a Novelty Football Match between the NMS Exboys and the Boys of NMS, with R Adm IA Dewu as the Special Guest of Honour, where the Boys won 2-1, and a Tug of War between Ex-Boys and Boys of NMS, which saw NMS Exboys emerging victorious.