Maj.-Gen. John Ochai, Commmandant, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), on Wednesday celebrated with wounded-in-action personnel and declared that they were true heroes of Nigeria that must be celebrated.
Ochai celebrated the heroes at a dinner in honour of wounded soldiers receiving medical attention at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna.
The event was organised by the NDA to honour the wounded soldiers.
“The soldiers are the real heroes because they took the bullet on our behalf,” Ochai declared.
According to him, the event is part of the tradition of the military which stipulates that leaders must ensure that troops wounded in action are provided with needed succour.
“Just within the week, we were at our various houses and villages to celebrate Sallah holiday, but the wounded-in-action action soilders were here in the hospital, not out of choice, but out of necessity.
“They took bullets for the nation to be at peace.
“So, a gathering like this gives them a sense of belonging and makes them understand that we truly appreciate their sacrifice.
“This is an encouragement to all those out there in the field on operations. It shows that in the event of injury or death, we’ll continue to be with them and ensure they and their families receive necessary support.
“It shows that their sacrifices are not in vain,” Ochai said.
In a message, Samuel Aruwan, overseeing Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs in Kaduna State, said that the wounded-in-action personnel were the reason for Nigeria’s stability,
“They stand between us and the enemies and the enemies of our existence,” he declared.
Col. Stephen Onuchukwu, Acting Chief Medical Director (CMD), appreciated the NDA Commmandant for the kind gesture, and particularly commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja for his leadership.
He further commended Lagbaja for providing the necessary resources to ensure the well-being of soldiers wounded in action.
The Acting Chief Medical Director, 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Col. Stephen Onuchukwu, making his remarks at the Dinner in honour of wounded-in-action in action soldiers on Wednesday in Kaduna.
“This is a clear commitment to national service,” Onuchukwu said.