PRESIDENT YAR’ADUA TASKS GRADUANDS OF NATIONAL WAR COLLEGE COURSE 15 TO ALWAYS EXUDE TRAITS OF EXEMPLARY LEADERSHIP

By, Mr Emmanuel Unuakpor

  The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua GCFR has tasked graduands of National War College (NWC) Course 15 to always exude traits of exemplary leadership through commitment, courage, knowledge, loyalty, patriotism, selfless service, vision and the fear of God.

 Speaking at the Graduation ceremony for participants of NWC Course 15, on Friday 10 August 2007 at the College Auditorium, the President, represented by the Honourable Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed CFR, stated that the men and women of the Armed Forces have consistently demonstrated an unwavering sense of patriotism, absolute commitment and consummate loyalty in the discharge of their constitutionally defined responsibilities.

 He said that the Armed Forces remain the bastion of our national defence and a strong medium integration. To this end, he posited that the development of relevant military capabilities for a credible defence posture, is essential for a thriving economy especially in the light of our critical maritime dependency.

 President Yar’Adua reiterated his administration’s commitment to Nigeria’s socio-political and economic regeneration by deepening and broadening the tenets of democracy and the rule of law, as well as equity and justice. He added that the goal is to consolidate the on the gains of the reforms of the recent past, and focus single mindedly on realistically tackling our development challenges.

 He expressed gratitude to all those whose contributions have been critical to the attainment of the College’s course objectives, especially countries that hosted the participants during the last Geo-Strategic World Study Tour. Stating that Nigeria will continue to engage with her development partners in exchanging and sharing information and ideas for the promotion of global peace and stability.

 The President also commended the Commandant, Faculty and Staff of the College for their steadfast commitment to making it a veritable centre for excellence; noting that the college’s invaluable contribution to strategic national capacity building has made it a vitally significant partner in our national restoration efforts. He enjoined the college’s management to continue to pursue commitment to professional excellence as abiding guide; pledging his administration’s determination to enhance the statue of the college and its capacity to better accomplish the objectives for which it was established.

 The Commandant of the College, R/Adm AAM Isa in his address at the occasion, assured the President of the capabilities of the graduands to excel in their various establishments. According to him, the college has inculcated in them the right orientation and attitude to forge the ultimate professional skills so that the nation will continue to be proud of it’s Armed Forces.

 He said that the NDC together with Kofi Annan Peace Keeping Training Centre Accra Ghana, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ECOWAS for peace support training. This he said is expected to further enhance peace support operations, and position the college to achieve greater focus and depth at strategic level. He stated that the NDC is a member of the challenges for peace programme, the international Association of Peace Keeping Training Centers (INPTCs), and holds the Chair of African Peace Support Trainers.