By Kennedy Sheyin
The National Defence College (NDC) has organised an international cultural day and cuisine for its course-34 participants aimed at fostering existing cordial relationships amongst the international participants of the course.
The international day and cuisines event took place in the premises of the NDC on Saturday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event is characterised by separate stands where participants displayed artifacts, cuisines, cultural banners and images associated with their individual cultures.
The special guest of honor at the event, Minister of State for foreign affairs, Amb. Shola Enikanolaiye, praised the initiative saying “it provided opportunity for officers and officials of different countries to build enduring professional relationships.
Enikanolaiye, represented by Amb. Bukar Kalambe, described the event as more than a cultural exhibition, but a celebration of diversity, friendship, mutual respect, learning and international understanding.
He noted the presence of international participants at the college as a reflection of the confidence that friendly nations placed on the institution, which reinforces the college’s status as a platform for fostering international co-operation and understanding.
“Many of the friendships established within the college endure long after graduation and often evolve into valuable channels of diplomatic, military, defense and strategic collaboration between nations.
“It is against this backdrop that today’s event holds special significance. The event provides a unique opportunity for participants to share aspects of their national heritage, traditions and customs.
“It allows us to celebrate our differences while appreciating the common values that unite us as members of the global community and common humanity,” he said.
Enikanolaiye, who is also a member of the NDC, said that cultural interactions have a remarkable ability to connect people at a more personal level.
“A shared meal, traditional music, national attire, or cultural performance can often foster goodwill and understanding in ways that formal engagements cannot.
“It is a diplomatic means that seeks to touch the minds and hearts of citizens in our countries, thereby, promoting a deeper and enduring love, friendship, and collaboration on the basis of mutual respect,” he said.
The minister said that such events serve as a reminder that lasting peace and cooperation can be built ultimately on mutual understanding and respect in light of the several challenges the world is facing today.
“At a time when the world is facing security, political, and economic challenges, the world has become increasingly vulnerable, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. Today will encourage us to look beyond borders, languages and cultural differences.
He expressed appreciation to the international participants of the course for their continued confidence in the NDC, adding that it enriched the learning experience and strengthened the relationship between Nigeria and their respective countries.
He also encouraged all participants to continue nurturing the relationship established during their time at the college and focus on shared aspiration for peace, prosperity and human progress.
“The networks you build today will undoubtedly prove valuable in addressing the complex challenges that our nations and regions will face in the years ahead,” he said.
In his remark, NDC commandant, Rear Adm. Abdullahi Ahmed, described the event as “part of the ethos” which sought to strike a fine balance between work and play, collaboration and friendship while seeking excellence.
“During this mini fiesta, we will have the opportunity to go around the various stands mounted by our international participants, displaying their artifacts, culinary delights and a glimpse into their culture.
Ahmed also said that the event will create a platform for interpersonal mingling in a convivial atmosphere that promotes mirth, fun and general relaxation.
Speaking on the sidelines after the event, the commandant said that the course is all about strategic training and building relationships.
“Furthermore, understanding one’s cultural background, lifestyle, food, music, etc. solidifies that relationship.”
He said this translated to increased closeness and gradual synchronization into one single entity, which will help resolve any security issues amongst these countries.
Ahmed also said that this event will also aid the diplomatic relationships amongst these countries and improve the visa processing process for other Nigerians.
“Our allied friends that we have as students have displayed their food, cultural artifacts and they will go back to their countries.
“I expect some to come back as the first attaché. That will translate to easy and quick processing of travel requests.
“Their presence here and when they go back home will make our international relationship stronger, whether it’s in the form of trade or in the form of travel to these countries,” he said.
Also speaking, the representative of the Diplomatic Corps, High Commissioner Isaac Parashina, said today’s event provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen human connections that underpins relations amongst nations.
“While this course is fundamentally centered on professional development, strategic thinking and leadership, today’s event provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen the human connection that underpins relations among nations.
According to him, culture remains one of the most enduring expressions of national identity.
“Through our traditions, cuisines, languages, arts and customs, we share the stories of our peoples and gain deeper appreciation of one another.”
Parashina also said that such exchanges remind us that despite our different histories and experiences, our nations are united by common aspirations for peace, stability and shared prosperity.
Parashina, on behalf of the members of the diplomatic community, appreciated the NDC for providing this platform for engagement among participants from diverse backgrounds.
He said that beyond cultural exchange, the interactions represent an investment in trust, understanding, cooperation and values that remain essential in addressing the complex challenges facing the international community today.
“In the current global environment, strategic leadership requires an appreciation of the interconnected nature of security challenges.
“Issues such as instability, terrorism, climate change and transnational threats transcend national borders and require collective responses,” he added.
He said that building partnerships, understanding different perspectives and strengthening networks among nations are therefore critical elements of effective leadership.
Speaking as a Kenyan, Parashina said, “Kenya is delighted to be part of the celebration. Our national identity is enriched by the diversity of communities whose traditions, values and contributions continue to shape the character of the nation”.
He added that Kenya equally cherished its long-standing friendship and partnership with Nigeria, founded on shared history, mutual respect and common aspiration for a peaceful and a prosperous continent.
“Our cooperation continues to expand across various fields, including peace and security, development and people-to-people relations. Events such as this further strengthen the bonds that exist between our two nations and peoples,” he said.
NAN reports that countries represented with individual stands include Benin republic, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad,Congo, Ghana,India, Ivory Coast, Malawi, Mali,Kenya, Liberia, Rwanda, Nepal Tanzania, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe. (NAN)
Edited by Yakubu Uba