President Muhammadu Buhari has restated commitment towards encouraging synergy among the Nigerian Military to reduce the distresses of people and improve human conditions.
President Buhari who was represented by the Minister of Defence, Gen. Bashir Salihi Magashi, at the graduation ceremony of Course 29 of the National Defence Academy, Abuja, said that government will focus on promoting multi-national and joint special inter agency collaborations as well as application of non-kinetic actions to achieve total peace in Nigeria.
The President expressed joy over the achievements of the National Defence College while strategizing on research and development as well as in complementing the manpower needs of the Armed Forces and the Civil Service of not only Nigeria but also of other Nations.
He commended the patriotic stewardship of the College Board, the commandant and entire staff of the National Defence College, noting that “their efforts fitted the vision of government to continuously build national institutions to overcome contemporary challenges and promote nation-building, security and development. These measures include Disarmament, Demobilization and Rehabilitation, as well as De-radicalization programmes, political reconciliation measures and instruments of development intervention.” He said.
President Buhari remarked that although the nation is still grappling with the challenges of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, farmers and herder’s clashes in addition to militancy, the responses by government and security agencies in tackling these threats have been encouraging.
“We consolidated the peace in the Niger Delta and recovered vast territories in the North East. We are making continuous efforts at consolidating the progress made in improving the enabling security environment for peace and development” he added.
Earlier, the Commandant of National Defence College, Rear Admiral Oladele Daji said the theme for the course 29 was “The 4th Industrial Revolution and National Development in Nigeria”.
96 participants enrolled amongst whom where 82 Nigerian Armed Forces, Police, Military Department and Agencies, 11 Military officers from 10 African Countries and 1 participant each from Bangladesh and Germany.
Victoria Agba-Attah
Director, P&PR
17th August 2021.
