The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), on Monday charged graduates of National Defence College (NDC) Course 34 to translate their training into sound policy and effective leadership.
Gen. Musa gave the charge while speaking at the graduation lecture of the course at the National Defence College Auditorium, Abuja.
He said that the participants were returning to their respective services, ministries, departments and agencies at a time when strategic leadership was more critical than ever.
The minister urged them to apply the knowledge and professional networks acquired at the college to strengthen national resilience, economic development, peace and security.
Gen. Musa also tasked the graduates to champion integrated approaches capable of addressing the complex security and development challenges confronting Nigeria and Africa.
He said security and prosperity were mutually reinforcing, stressing that lasting peace could not be sustained without inclusive economic growth.
The minister also noted that sustainable development could not flourish in an environment of insecurity, urging stronger investment in infrastructure, technology and human capital.
Musa said that resilient institutions and enhanced regional cooperation remained essential to securing Africa’s future.
He encouraged African countries to leverage initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area to promote industrialisation, innovation and shared prosperity.
The minister congratulated the graduating participants for successfully completing the rigorous programme, describing it as preparation for higher responsibilities in national security, governance and strategic leadership.
He also commended the Commandant, faculty and staff of the NDC for sustaining the institution’s reputation as Nigeria’s foremost centre for strategic and professional military education.
Musa expressed appreciation to former President Goodluck Jonathan, who delivered the graduation lecture titled, “Harnessing Industrial Capacity for Inclusive Growth and Regional Stability in Africa.”
He said Jonathan’s lecture reinforced the importance of industrial capacity to economic competitiveness, productive employment, national resilience, peace and security.
The minister said Africa’s abundant natural and human resources must be transformed into value-added production, technological innovation and sustainable prosperity.
He further acknowledged Jonathan’s experience in governance, democratic leadership and regional diplomacy, saying it had added significant value to the discourse.