52 Years On, Kudos To The Great 45

 Some members of the 3rd Regular Course at the Lagos State Governor's office. 

Bright Azuh, Lagos.

A popular saying reads that, ‘out of sight is out of mind’. That loosely interprets as 'people that have not been active or seen can be easily forgotten.' 

This idiom is not applicable to the Mafia of the 3rd Regular Course. The Mafia of the 3rd Regular Course refers to the Great 45 who joined the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) on September 3, 1967. 

The Great 45 joined the NDA when the country was in the heat of the civil war that threatened to tear her apart. 52 years after the war, the great 45, motivated by the need to help and inspire young patriots to fight for a better Nigeria, have stuck together.

The story of that friendship captures the essence of life, love, loss, hope, despair, and optimism in the face of all that defines the coming together of their collective fates. 

However, what binds them together goes beyond the bond of friendship; it is a patriotic drive that has shaped both the past and future of Nigeria. Though ordinary men, they have remained extraordinary in their commitment to maintaining shared cordiality, and kind respect and affection of all.

In a bid to remain together to share memories of ‘the good old days’, and with the major aim of passing on the need for patriotism to young Nigerians, the Alumni Association of the 3rd Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy was birthed in 2008. 

Some members who have kept the association going since 2008 are former Senate President, David Mark; former Lagos governor, Raji Rasaki; a businessman, Commodore Mashood Babatunde; Major General Chris Garuba; Major General Mufatau Balogun; Major General  Suleiman Said; Major General  Yunana Nom;  Rear Admiral Isaac Areola;  Rear Admiral Segun Arokodare; Lt Col Anthony Ojomo; among others.

In their various meetings, members of the alumni association have reiterated their resolve to promote concurrence among Nigerians on the state of the nation. The association has held meetings crisscrossing the Western and Northern parts of the country annually. 

The bond in the group even after retirement and the death of some of their colleagues has remained indivisible. Brigadier General Raji Rasaki, at the association’s recent meeting, called for more attention to be given to the dependants and widows of their dead colleagues. 

Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is an honorary member of the association, also praised the commitment of patriots who sacrificed their lives for the existence of Nigeria.

The association has, over the years, produced key personalities that have occupied high positions in government and public services, such as senators, governors, ministers and other public servants who have retired years back. Notwithstanding, what is most certain is that they have not lost an inch of their patriotism and allegiance to their country.

Undoubtedly, the friendship of the Great 45 is a solemn reminder of the eternal words of actor and Marine Corps veteran, Adam Driver: "In the military, you learn the essence of people. You see so many examples of self-sacrifice and moral courage. In the rest of life, you don't get that many opportunities to be sure of your friends." 

Kudos to the men whose patriotic drives speak volume. For they were undeterred by the stories of war and this shaped their lives as cadets and now senior citizens. 

Kudos to the great 45 who are still pressing forward, having paid the price of service to the nation, in good works, determination and resilience and as a group of senior citizens, have not lost an inch of their patriotism and allegiance pledged their country.