Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has charged participants of the National Defence College (NDC) Course 33 to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in addressing the nation’s security challenges.
He gave the charge at the Graduation Dinner and Award Night organised for the participants of the 11-month strategic course on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said the programme had been a fruitful intellectual journey which, though rigorous and demanding, had equipped the participants with the capacity to contribute meaningfully to national security and development.
The minister congratulated the graduating participants and their families, noting that the NDC had continued to live up to its reputation as a global centre of excellence in defence, security and strategic studies.
He also commended the allied and international participants, saying their diversity and scholarship had enriched the college’s environment and strengthened Nigeria’s ties with partner nations.
“On behalf of President Bola Tinubu and the people of Nigeria, I extend warm congratulations to you.
“I urge our international participants to remain proud alumni of this college and to continue supporting Nigeria in your individual and diplomatic capacities.
“Over the past months, you have faced intellectual pressure and anxiety, but within those challenges, learning has occurred and lasting friendships have been formed.
“These bonds will remain invaluable to your careers and to the service of your nations,” he said.
In his remarks, the Commandant of NDC, Rear Adm. James Okosun, said the graduation dinner symbolised the climax of an arduous but rewarding academic and professional journey for the participants.
He commended the graduating participants for their resilience and hard work, urging them to remain true ambassadors of the college.
Okosun urged them to put their training into practice in advancing national, regional, and global peace and security.
The commandant also paid tribute to the faculty and staff of the college for their dedication to sustaining the institution’s tradition of excellence, adding that the NDC would continue to innovate to meet emerging defence and security needs.
Speaking on behalf of Allied Participants, Brig.-Gen. Bassem Shahba of the Egyptian Air Defence Force, expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Government, Armed Forces, and the NDC for their hospitality and support throughout the programme.
He described the course as a significant milestone in the participants’ journey as strategic leaders, noting that the lessons, insights, and networks built would be carried into their future careers to promote peace, security, and stability across regions.
“We particularly appreciate the warm welcome you have given us since our arrival in Nigeria until today. We have never felt like strangers — we felt completely at home,” he said.
The dinner and awards night also featured the presentation of prizes to outstanding participants who distinguished themselves during the course, as well as cultural displays that reflected Nigeria’s rich diversity.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the graduation ceremony of the National Defence College (NDC) Course 33 is scheduled to hold on Friday.(NAN)