EVENTS: CELEBRATING NIGERIA'S FIRST FEMALE CADETS

 

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Since the establishment of the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1964, few changes have been as transformative as when in 2011 under the leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan, the Academy was directed to adjust its all-male-officer structure to include female regular combatants and give females equal opportunity in the Nigerian military. And for the first time in the history of the country, females were admitted into the academy.

All over the world, through cultures and times, women have rarely been opportune to participate in war as combatants. However it has been recorded that when they have fought, women have performed exceptionally well. Perhaps this realization aided in the decision to include females, as the government has restated assuredly that the move will not in any way diminish the standards of the NDA, but rather build a strong, progressive and self sufficient armed force.

Two years on, after the first twenty female cadets that got the admission into the Academy, the number has presently increased to 56 new cadets who have taken on the reins of the chance afforded them and are soaring to great heights, proving that they are deserving of the opportunity. In 2012, the United States Government requested 6 cadets to be trained at WEST POINT, the prestigious US military academy. From the screening exercise conducted, 6 cadets emerged, amongst them two females, a testament to the ingenuity of the resolve to include female intakes into the NDA.

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 In a new book titled “Goodluck Jonathan: Champion for Women”, these girls recount some of their experiences and survival tactics, and how they have held up in the face of stereotyping and rigorous routines, braving all to advance stronger and even more determined to press forward to the top. Launched in Abuja on 26th June 2013, the book was presented to the public by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, who lauded the efforts of the present administration in fostering better gender equality. Honourable Minister of Petroleum, Mrs Diezani  Alison-Madueke, was the Project Coordinator and Editor-in-Chief of the book. Also in attendance were Her Excellency, President Joyce Banda of the Republic of Malawi, Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khupe of Zimbabwe, and former President John Kufuor of Ghana