Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, on Monday reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to building strong institutions as foundation for good governance and national stability.
Speaking during the Graduation Lecture for Course 33 at the National Defence College (NDC) Auditorium, Abuja, Badaru said: “Strong nations are built on strong institutions, not strong individuals.”
The Minister stressed that reforms and leadership appointments under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda are intended to entrench accountability and professionalism across government institutions, including the defence sector.
Addressing the graduating participants, Badaru urged principled leadership, stating; “Leadership is a trust. Your responsibility is to leave behind systems stronger than you found them.”
He encouraged the new graduates to lead with integrity, accountability and a commitment to institutional strengthening.
The Minister commended efforts by African governments, the African Union and ECOWAS in advancing governance, peace and development, and called for deeper cooperation to consolidate those gains across the continent.
He praised President Tinubu for his continued support for the Armed Forces and the National Defence College, and welcomed the insights of HE Nana Akufo-Addo, noting that the former President’s lecture will inspire the next generation of African leaders.
Course 33 at the National Defence College (NDC) in Nigeria has 94 participants. This includes senior officers from the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Nigerian Police Force, Para Military, and strategic Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as international participants from friendly nations.
Specifically, there are 55 participants from the Armed Forces, 20 from the NPF, Para Military, and strategic MDAs, and 19 international participants, according to the NDC.