By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, on Tuesday inaugurated the first Advisory Council of the National Defence College (NDC) aimed at sustaining the institution’ s mandate.
The council is comprised of past commandants of the college and chaired by retired Rear Adm. Amos Adedeji with Gboribiogha Jonah, Patrick Agholor, Samuel Alade, Oladele Daji and Murtala Bashir as members.
The advisory council is the first since the college was set up 30 years ago.
Badaru said that the inauguration was a milestone in the history of the college, adding that the council would play crucial role in the governance and progress of the institution.
“I urge you to make the best use of this opportunity to contribute your quota again to the growth of the college at this essential time,” the minister told members of the advisory council.
Badaru commended the commandant of the college for his foresight in suggesting the establishment of the advisory council, which he said was apt and timely.
He assured the college of the total support of the defence ministry as it strives to discharge its responsibility as the highest military institution in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Commandant of the college, Rear Adm. Olumuyiwa Olotu, said the advisory council would meet quarterly to scrutinise the college’s academic activities and advise the commandant accordingly.
He added that the council would monitor course participants, mentor them during major exercises and organise roundtable periodically on topical issues of security significance.
Olotu added that the council would design the college’s strategic outlook in the area of academic and infrastructural development , and perform other functions assigned to it by the college’s Governing Board.
Responding, the Chairman of the Advisory Council, retired Rear Adm. Adedeji, pledged to use their wealth of experience to advise the college appropriately, within its mandate.
He commended the leadership of NDC for the progress so far made, adding that the college has become bigger with many course participants, staff and structures. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deborah Coker/Maharazu Ahmed
