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HONOURABLE MINISTER OF DEFENCE REAFFIRMS C-IN-C’s COMMITMENT TOWARDS THE EARLY COMPLETION OF THE NATIONAL DEFENCE COLLEGE PERMANENT SITE

The Honourable Minister of Defence (HMOD) Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed CFR, has reaffirmed the commitment of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua GCFR, towards the early completion of the National Defence College (NDC) permanent site at Piwoyi District in Abuja.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony of NDC Course 16, on 17 September 2007, the Minister expressed government desire to firmly entrench and inculcate the tenets of sustainable democracy in members of the Armed Forces. He stated that the objectives have been to overhaul and reconstruct the Armed Forces comprehensively, and transform it into an institution that will be able to prove its worth whenever it is called upon to do so. NDC according to him plays a critical role in the realization of these objectives, hence government’s commitment towards speedy completion of the College’s permanent site.

Alhaji Yayale Ahmed reiterated government’s commitment at; re-equipping the Services and enhancing the welfare of officers and men, re-orientating the Armed Forces towards a proper appreciation of its relationship with the civil authority and its obligation to provide support to it on terms outlined in the nation’s constitution; and building rehabilitating and strengthening the bounds of co-operation between the Nigeria Armed Forces and those of other countries around the world.

While appreciating the commitment and dedication of the commandant and staff of the College in making it one of the best military institutions in the world, the Minister tasked them to be fully committed to the goals and vision of the institution. In the same vein, he expressed gratitude to the numerous foreign friends and private organizations who have contributed in one way or the other towards the continued realization of the objectives of the college.     

Earlier on, the Commandant of the college, RAdm AAM Isa while delivering his address noted that the inauguration of Course 16 is a historic event as it is the first NDC Course with a new curriculum. He stated that the newly approved course curriculum provides an opportunity for the participants to gain a clear understanding of what is expected of them over the next 11 months. He also emphasized that one of the foremost objectives of the course programme is to broaden participants understanding and sharpen their insight into higher management of national defence and strategic studies in our ever changing world.

Speaking further, RAdm Isa said that the NDC guided by dynamic nature of the theories of international relations is also viewing national security through multi-dimensional lenses. To this end, he posited that the challenges of the pursuit of national interests must be constantly kept in focus for relevant study and understanding. Linkages, he said have been established with academic and professional institutions nationally, regionally and globally to ensure professional excellence at all times.

The Commandant challenged the participants to take their selection to participate in the course as an important development and a recognition of their qualities, this he said they should be proud of. He noted that by their selection to participate in the course, they belong to an important group that is expected to provide strategic leadership for the Armed Forces of the 21st Century.

RAdm Isa thanked the Honourable Minister of Defence for the important interest he has consistently shown in the development of the NDC. He particularly thanked him for the important role he played in ensuring the approval of the course curriculum by the College Governing Board, stating that it is a great testimony of the Minister’s appreciation of what the College stands for and his desire to see that the College attains a very high standards. He equally thanked the Minister for the role he played in facilitating the successful foundation laying ceremony of the College’s permanent site.

Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion were; the Honourable Minister of State for Defence (HMOSD) Mrs Fidelia Akuabata Njeze, the Minister of State for FCT Senator John Akpanudeodehe, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen AO Azazi, Service Chiefs, representative of the Inspector General of Police, members of Diplomatic Corp and senior military officers both serving and retired.