Last Tuesday, the National Defence College (NDC), formerly National War College, which was established on June 16, 1992 by the Babangida administration, inaugurated the NDC Course 23 participants, JIBRIN BABA NDACE reports
For over two decades, the National Defence College (NDC), which is the highest military institution in Nigeria, has continued to played important roles in national security issues and professional development of strategic leaders required for the Armed Forces, paramilitary institutions and selected civil organizations who support the political leadership in the socio-political and economic development of the country.
As an institution that is focused on ‘higher defence and strategic studies for strategic level training and Joint war studies for operational level training’ in order to ‘bridge the gap between tactical and strategic levels training’, NDC has lived up its philosophy, of ‘contributing to the decision making process of the nation, within a democratic political structure.’
This explains the interest generated whenever the College inaugurates or graduates participants. The inauguration of Course 23 was not different.
In his welcome address, the Commandant of the College, Rear Admiral Patrick Agholor, said the inauguration was yet another landmark occasion in the calendar of the College adding that NDC has come a long way.
“The College has come a long way, as today marks the twenty third Course to be inaugurated. Over the period, a lot of significant milestone has been attained and changes made, all adding to the high standards for which the College is now known.”
He urged the participants to live up to confidence reposed in them by their various nations, services and agencies adding that the College has improved its facilities and environment to aid learning.
“For participants of Course 23, I must tell you that you have a big shoes to fill. You have come to an institution which over the years, has developed a pedigree that is unrivalled, both in terms of hard work and excellence. I am sure your various nations, Services and Agencies are aware of this and that is why they have sent you here. ”
“let me also add that you are coming at a time when the College is experiencing uncommon transformation. We have tried to tinker with the Curriculum to make it more apt, relevant and friendly to participants. We have also, within our limited capacity , tried to improve the College environment and facilities to aid your studies here. ”
The Commandant disclosed that the College has subscribed to various on-line journals relevant to the needs of participants and faculty members adding that the onus lies on the participants to take advantage of available facilities.
In his address, the Special Guest of Honour, Minister of Defence, Lt Gen Aliyu Gusau, paid tribute to founding fathers of the College for their strategic foresight. “Let me pay tribute to the strategic foresight of the founding fathers of this College who planted the seed in 1992 and nurtured it to what we witness today. Since its inception, the National Defence College has maintained a positive rise in excellence to the admiration of many people.
“For this I congratulate the Commandant and the entire College community for yet another opportunity to mould another set of officers and gentlemen who will be saddled with the management of national security and defence of many countries. The College has no doubt produced distinguished men and women who have excelled in their chosen careers in Africa and beyond over the past 23 years.”
The Minister of Defence, who was represented by Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Adesola Amosun, commended the Commandant and faculty members for their contribution to national development. “In the past two decades of its existence, the College has positively impacted many generations of military and non-military officers and fostered culture of strategic thinking among policy makers. It has helped to develop expertise in national strategy for security and defence as well as international peace and security. ”
He said unity of purpose among all stakeholders is required to defeat the insurgents adding that other African nations should support Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.
“The common front that the Federal government and other stakeholders have presented in this fight against Ebola only goes to prove that Nigerians can solve their common national security problems irrespective of political , ethnic and religious differences if they are united. This united of purpose can also be brought to bear in our fight against Boko Haram insurgency. ”
He congratulated the international participants and called all course 23 participants to proffer workable short-term and long-term solutions to the problem of terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria in particular and Africa in general.
He said: “For the entire members of Course 23, you are attending this course at a very critical time when our nation, region and indeed the international community are seeking solutions to the rampant wave of extremism and terrorism that is threatening nations and world peace. I am confident that while on this course you will be able to proffer workable short-term and long term solutions to the problems of terrorism and insurgency in our country and Africa as a whole. ”
The special guest of honour, who advised the participants to sacrifice the pleasure of today for a better tomorrow, called on all stakeholders to mindful of the national security implication of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). He called for unity of purpose deployed in addressing EVD should be used in tackling Boko Haram insurgency.
