Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has urged the graduating students of Army War College Course 8/2024 to uphold national security in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
The Minister made the call during the graduation ceremony for the participants of the course at Army War College, Abuja.
The ceremony celebrated the achievements of graduates who completed 35 weeks of rigorous training in national security, military strategy, and operational art.
In his keynote address, the Minister, who was the Special Guest of Honour, commended the graduates for their dedication and perseverance throughout the course, emphasizing the importance of their newly acquired leadership and strategic thinking skills.
He said, “It is a great honour to stand before you today at the graduation ceremony for the participants of Army War College Course 8/2024. I am privileged to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our graduates. Your journey to this moment involved 35 weeks of rigorous training, intellectual stimulation, and growth, as well as personal sacrifice. Today is a testament to your resilience and commitment to excellence.”
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Addressing the graduates about their future responsibilities, the Minister highlighted the significance of their roles as operational and strategic leaders in Nigeria’s Armed Forces. “Today’s graduation marks your transformation from tactical to operational and strategic level leaders. Leadership is the cornerstone of military service, extending beyond mere orders to inspiring and guiding others towards a common goal. As graduates of the Army War College Nigeria, you are now equipped with the tools to navigate the geostrategic landscape,” he stated.
The Minister encouraged the graduates to lead with integrity, courage, and compassion, reminding them of their pivotal role in addressing complex challenges:
“Gentlemen, the world is constantly evolving, and the challenges we face are increasingly complex and ambiguous. As officers skilled in operational-level planning, you will encounter uncertain and often perilous situations. I encourage you to embrace these challenges with confidence, aptitude, and determination.”
Furthermore, Badaru expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, for his support of the Nigerian Military and acknowledged the contributions of the Chief of Army Staff, the College Governing Board, the Commandant, faculty members, and the families of the graduates.
He concluded by congratulating the graduates of Army War College Course 8/2024, saying, “Your future is bright, and I do not doubt that you will all serve our nation with distinction.”