The CADET Network (Community Auxiliary Development for Effective Transformation Network) has clarified reports about a viral video where the organization presented a guard of Honour to welcome President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu to a youth empowerment programme in Ogun State.

They stated that the guard of Honour was used to welcome dignitaries to the event.

They noted that the guard did not only honour Seyi, but also honoured other dignitaries like the PA to the President on Special Duties as the program played host to many dignitaries like the Minister of Youth Development, Minister of Digital Economy, SSA to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, SSA to the President on Digital Comm & New Media, CoS to Ogun State Governor and so many other dignitaries that graced the occasion.

This was disclosed in a statement by the organisation’s Corps Commander, J.G Fatoye.

The statement reads: “The CADET Network (Community Auxiliary Development for Effective Transformation Network) clarifies the misconception about the viral video where the organization presented a guard of Honour to welcome the son of the President, MR Seyi Tinubu to a youth empowerment program in Ogun State.

“As a youth uniformed volunteer organization, we want to set the record straight that and clear misconceptions about the guard of Honour. It is of note that the guard of Honour was used to welcome dignitaries to the event as it is a youth empowerment program and the organization is a youth organization.

“The guard also honoured other dignitaries like the PA to the President on Special Duties as the program played host to many dignitaries like the Minister of Youth Development, Minister of Digital Economy, SSA to the President on Citizenship & Leadership, SSA to the President on Digital Comm & New Media, CoS to Ogun State Governor and so many other dignitaries that graced the occasion.

“The CADETN is a youth uniformed organization and not a military outfit and also not in anyway affiliated to the military or Armed Forces as been claimed by some mischief makers. The organization is a voluntary organization that operates like the likes of Man O War, Peace Corps, Royal Ambassador, Man of Order, WAI Brigade and other relevant uniformed voluntary organizations.

“It is a very common practice among youth volunteer organizations to honour dignitaries at youth events as it inspire other young people to aim higher in life. The CADETN is a registered organization and affiliated with the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Coalition of Nigerian Youths on Security and Safety Affairs, National Association of Uniform Voluntary Organizations and other like minded Commonwealth organizations.

“We will like to state categorically that no ammunition was used and no military paraphernalia was used during the guard of Honour as peddled by critics. The guard of Honour was mounted using wooden dummy rifles as it is practice among other uniform organizations. Any weapon seen in the video is that of the security details of the dignitaries and not that of the organization.

“We urge mischief makers and critics to appreciate Mr. Seyi Tinubu and other dignitaries gesture to empower the youths through this type of massive empowerment programs and not tarnish his reputation with baseless and unfounded accusations.

“We also urge the general public to encourage youth uniformed voluntary organizations across the federation as they compliment National Security and play a key role in youth development and national building so as to promote peace and tranquillity in our society.