The Ex-Boy 1998 set of the Nigeria Military School, Zaria, has marked its 20th anniversary with the inauguration of new executives and presentations of awards to deserving members in an event marked in Abuja over the weekend.
Tribune Online reports that the set attended the NMS between 1998 and 2004.
The keynote speaker at the event, who is also the Chief of Special Service and Programmes, Nigeria Army, Major General HT Wesley, urged Nigerians to pray for the country always while expressing optimism that Nigeria will overcome the challenges it is currently passing through.
The General, also an ex-boy, advised the set to seize the opportunity of the get-together to reflect on the journey so far while urging them to show love and patriotism to the fatherland at all times.
“If you curse Nigeria, Nigeria cannot bless you. If you curse your job, you cannot be blessed in that job. Develop a positive attitude. Do not do that (cursing your country); it will reflect back to you.
“I want you to seize the opportunity of this get-together to reflect on the journey so far while you continue to show love and patriotism to the fatherland,” General Wesley said.
The new chairman of the set, AbdurRazaq Owolabi, and the immediate past chairman, AbdulMajeed Mohammed, said the reunion was organised to celebrate the set’s success and remember members who have laid down their lives on the battlefield for Nigeria to exist.
Earlier, a novelty football match between the FCT chapter and the ’98 Set ended in 4 goals to 1 in favour of the former.
The chairman of the FCT chapter, Ayuba Abdul, in an interview with Tribune Online, said the match was to relive experiences, network and socialise, and chart a way forward among members.
“They left the Nigeria Military School 20 years ago, and many of them have not seen one another since then. So, this is an opportunity for them to meet again, take stock of their lives, and move forward. There is a need to network and empower yourself. This is just an informal avenue to enjoy themselves and plan life.
Speaking on why football was chosen to mark the event, Abdul said, “It is what everyone can relate to. Football is one of the easiest sports, and it has fewer rules. Every other person understands the game of football, and football through the ages has shown that it is a deciding and unifying factor for every Nigerian.”
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