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AFN 001 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Academy 001 and EFCC Official

A Birthday Tribute to a Quintessential Officer and Gentleman , Maj Gen HT Wesley

Today, we celebrate an extraordinary officer, a proud Exboy, and an embodiment of regimentation and excellence , Maj Gen HT Wesley, the current Corps Commander Ordnance, Nigerian Army.

It is impossible to forget the profound influence he had on many of us who passed through the hallowed grounds of the Nigerian Military School.
When I resumed as a Boy Soldier some 25 years ago, my set was privileged to be the last to encounter then Captain HT Wesley as the Adjutant of NMS , a position he held with distinction, authority, and unmatched class.

Capt Wesley’s presence alone commanded instant respect. Towering in stature, with a powerful physique and a posture as firm as a parade-ground flagpole, he was the living image of military precision. His uniforms were always immaculate, his boots forever gleaming, and his steps measured with flawless coordination. Even the way he walked spoke of regimentation.

But beyond appearances, what truly set him apart was his unshakable commitment to discipline and his refined intelligence. He spoke the Queen’s English with an accent and cadence that captivated and commanded attention , fluent, articulate, and graceful.
Every word he uttered was deliberate, every command precise, and every action deeply rooted in military ethos.

As an Exboy himself, he understood the system like no other. He was once a B/Provost and later as B/RSM of the NMS 1981 Set , roles that instilled in him a radar for discipline and an instinct to uphold standards without compromise.
For us Boys then, “The fear of Capt Wesley” was the beginning of wisdom. His parked Prelude car alone sent ripples of alertness through the School.
The sight of his iron swagger stick was enough to send shivers down the spine.

There was a day I witnessed what I can only describe as a “Wesley masterclass.” He arrived on the parade ground and, after we had been called to attention, began pointing out absconders and offenders with pinpoint accuracy , simply by observing the ranks. “Alpha Coy, Centre rank, second from the right — run outside!” And they all dashed out like madmen. It wasn’t surprising; there were already popular rumours in NMS that “Capt Wesley could identify Boys from their shadows!”

On another occasion, I watched him personally conduct a putee , he was somersaulting some B/Provosts from the School Gate to Buns Villa Gate and back under the blistering Zaria sun. I was peeping quietly from the classrooms opposite Alpha Company and wondered if I could ever survive that punishment. Among those B/Provosts, I remember Oga Stranger, now a respected Lt Col in the Signal Corps.

When his tour at NMS ended, alongside Capt NMS Nagidada , the first AO of the newly created Boys Battalion , the School honoured them in grand style. A send-forth was organized under the directive of the then Commandant, Col D Bitrus, another combatant and highly regimented officer. Representatives from every class marched forward to present gifts in appreciation of their service. My own classmate, Benson Gbenga, presented on behalf of our set.

Today, Maj Gen Wesley stands not just as a very senior officer of the Nigerian Army, but as a shining example of the transformative power of discipline, character, and professionalism. His legacy at NMS is etched in gold, and history will forever remember his contributions to the School.

On the occasion of his birthday, I join countless Exboys to wish him long life, good health, and continued impactful service.
Sir, may your days ahead be filled with fulfilment, and may the values you instilled in us echo through generations of Boys to come.

Happy Birthday, Sir!
You remain a towering example of all that is best in the military tradition.

To those who encountered Capt Wesley as Adjutant of NMS , what memory comes to your mind?

Nigeria’s First Vice President, Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme, greeting Senior Military Officers in Lagos, circa 1982

Dick Tiger (born Richard Ihetu) was one of Africa’s and Nigeria’s most celebrated professional boxers.

A two-time world middleweight and light heavyweight champion, he earned international acclaim in the 1950s and 1960s.

During the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), Tiger returned home and served as a Lieutenant in the Biafran army, where he trained Biafran troops in morale-building and hand-to-hand combat. Despite his global fame, he remained committed to the Biafran cause, even as it threatened his international boxing prospects.

In recognition of his outstanding career, he was posthumously inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1991, making him one of the first African boxers to receive the honor.

Dick Tiger died of liver cancer in Aba, Nigeria, on December 14, 1971, at the age of 42.

How well do you know the Nigerian History?

I'll be sharing some interesting historical moments of our dear country, Nigeria 🇳🇬

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001 and Wife

In Honour of a Fallen Cadet

He was more than just a cadet — he was a brother, a warrior in training, and a symbol of true courage.

From Term 1 through Term 4, he stood shoulder to shoulder with his comrades. He marched when it was tough, endured when it was painful, and smiled through the sweat and sacrifice. He gave everything — not just for himself, but for the honour of the Nigerian Defence Academy and the pride of Nigeria.

His journey ended before the parade of graduation, but his bravery echoes forever in the hearts of those he trained with. He didn’t fall in vain. He stood for something bigger — Duty, Honour, Country.

Rest in peace, gallant cadet.
The Academy remembers you.
Nigeria salutes you.
Your fellow cadets will never forget you. 🇳🇬🕊️

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🇳🇬 MILITARY RECRUITMENT & TRAINING IN 1950s NIGERIA 🪖

In the 1950s, Nigeria was still under British colonial rule, and its military structure was part of the Royal West African Frontier Force (RWAFF). Recruitment into the military during this period was voluntary but strongly encouraged by traditional leaders and colonial administrators.

Young, able-bodied men — especially from Northern Nigeria — were recruited and trained under British officers. Most recruits joined to earn steady pay, receive food and clothing, and explore opportunities beyond their communities.

🛡️ Training Centers: Located in Zaria, Kaduna, and Ibadan
📅 Duration: Basic training lasted up to 6 months

🪖 Training Covered:

A. Drills and strict discipline
B. Physical endurance and obstacle courses
C. Weapons training with rifles and grenades
D. Field tactics such as jungle warfare, camouflage, and map reading

This training followed the British military style in command, structure, and language. Nigerian soldiers played a major role in maintaining internal security and supporting operations in other British colonies.

By the late 1950s, the foundation was being laid for Nigeria's own independent military force, leading to full military sovereignty after independence in 1960.

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