“The labour of our heroes’ past shall never be in vain”, is a constant reminder in the Nigeria National Anthem that has always resonated anytime it is sung or rendered.
Recently, when the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla joined other military Generals to mark the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Military School, Chindit Barracks, Zaria, it offered him the singular opportunity to meet his former Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of the school, Warrant Officer 1 Ibrahim Bandi, when he was a boy-soldier.
Receiving the former RSM in a heroic style, was like a golden grandeur reflecting nostalgically on those positive feelings passing through his tutelage as a boy-soldier in the prestigious school.
RSM Ibrahim Bandi, who is 83 years old, served as the Regimental Sergeant Major of the Nigerian Military School, Zaria from 1981 to 1991, when Vice Admiral Ogalla was a student of the school (Ex-boy).
Admiral Ogalla, with several other Rear Admirals, graced the 70th anniversary of their Alma mater and used the opportunity to warmly receive the heroic RSM in his office.
WO1 Bandi, who was said to have left an indelible mark as an astute strict disciplinarian, inculcated the right military values and traditions onto the young boy-soldiers who have hitherto, climbed to the apogee of their military careers.
Also posing in a picture with the Octogenarian, is the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar.
Warrant Officer 1 Ibrahim Bandi was received by the CNS, with several Rear Admirals who were also Ex-boys of the prestigious military Secondary School when he was the RSM about 40 years ago.
Present at the warm welcome reception for the RSM were Rear Admiral IA Dewu, R/Adm SU Gombe, R/Adm PK Zakaria, R/Adm UU Faruk, R/Adm KG Levi, R/Adm IU Ubani, and Rear Admiral SD Ibrahim.
Advising the young students of the school, V/Adm Ogalla encouraged them to emulate the older students that have gone through the school, admonishing them to maintain the discipline and integrity the military school is known, in addition, to acquiring requisite knowledge.
RSM Ibrahim Bandi served as the NMS RSM when the CNS, and other Senior Naval Officers were NMS Boys.
During his 83rd birthday earlier in the year, the National President of the NMS Ex-boys Sunday Ngegu, extended his warmest congratulations to the former Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM).
It was gathered that that RSM Ibrahim Bandi’s tenure as the RSM of NMS was marked by his unwavering commitment to discipline and exceptional ability to shape and mold the character of NMS Boys.
A legacy that continues to resonate throughout the school, as he played a vital and significant role in instilling discipline and values in the young Boy-Soldiers.
Nigeria Military School, Zaria was founded in 1954. Since its inception, it has graduated thousands of young military officers and civilians who have done tremendously well; bringing glory to all the services and Nigeria at large.
About The Author
