The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has called on graduates of the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) to uphold national security in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Minister made this statement during the graduation ceremony for Course 8/2024 at the Army War College in Abuja on Friday, October 5, 2024.
The ceremony marked the completion of 35 weeks of intensive training in national security, military strategy, and operational leadership for the participants.
In his keynote address, Badaru, who served as the Special Guest of Honour, lauded the graduates for their perseverance, dedication, and academic excellence throughout the program.
“It is a great honour to stand before you today at this remarkable ceremony. Your journey involved personal sacrifices and intense intellectual growth. Today is a testament to your resilience and commitment to excellence,” Badaru remarked.
He emphasized the vital role the graduates will now play as leaders in Nigeria’s Armed Forces, noting that their training has prepared them for strategic and operational leadership.
“Your graduation marks a significant transition from tactical leadership to the operational and strategic level. Leadership in the military goes beyond giving orders; it’s about inspiring others towards a common goal,” he said.
The Defence Minister urged the graduates to lead with integrity and courage, highlighting the evolving nature of global security challenges. He reminded them that they will face complex and ambiguous situations that require skill, confidence, and determination.
“As officers skilled in operational-level planning, you will encounter uncertain and often perilous situations. I encourage you to meet these challenges head-on with determination,” Badaru advised.
The Minister also extended his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support of the Nigerian Military, and commended the efforts of the Chief of Army Staff, the Army War College Governing Board, faculty, and the families of the graduates for their unwavering support.
In conclusion, Badaru congratulated the graduates of the Army War College Course 8/2024, expressing confidence in their future contributions to national security. “Your future is bright, and I have no doubt that you will serve Nigeria with distinction,” he said.
The graduation ceremony underscored the critical importance of the Army War College’s role in preparing military leaders to address the nation’s security challenges through strategic thinking and effective leadership.
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