NDC - News Agency Of Nigeria

Philip Daniel Yatai
Aug, Fri, 2025

Lead with integrity, discipline – NDC Commandant urges graduating participants

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC), Rear Adm. James Okosun, has charged participants of Course 33 to translate the 44 weeks of intensive training and their hard-earned knowledge into selfless service to the nation.

Okosun, represented by the College Secretary, AVM Ayodele Hanidu, gave the charge on Friday during the special Jumaat service held in honour of the graduating participants in Abuja.

He commended the participants for successfully completing 44 weeks of rigorous academic training in higher defence and strategic management, noting that the process demanded intellectual discipline, sacrifice, and resilience.

“The pressure you have faced here has been by design, to mould you into strategic leaders and policy makers who place the nation above personal interest.

“Beyond seeking knowledge, we carry the responsibility of service and sacrifice for our beloved country, knowing that only Allah knows the time when such sacrifice may be called upon.

“We accept this with full readiness and faith,” he said.

The Commandant reminded the officers that the Qur’an and Hadith enjoin the pursuit of beneficial knowledge which improves individuals, strengthens communities, uplifts the Ummah, and contributes to a better world.

He also acknowledged the wives of the participants for their steadfast support, describing them as silent pillars of strength throughout the demanding training period.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating officers, Col. Umar Abbas, said the training had tested their resilience, patience, and intellectual capacity, but also reinforced the importance of humility and service.

Abbas noted that while some participants might have achieved all their goals during the course, others might not, adding that both should accept their experiences as part of Allah’s divine decree.

“Please, whatever you have gotten from here, take it as what Allah has decreed for you. It is never the end of life,” he said.

Abbas warned against attributing successes solely to personal effort, stressing that achievements should be seen as blessings from Allah and used to uplift others.

He urged his colleagues to leave the college with “clean minds,” ready to forgive any wrongs committed knowingly or unknowingly during their stay, and to maintain the spirit of brotherhood built over the past year.

“For almost 12 months we have lived and worked together. If at any time we offended anyone, knowingly or unknowingly, please forgive us,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the Jumaat service marks the beginning of a series of events leading to the graduation of Course 33 participants, scheduled for next week. (NAN)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor and Yakubu Uba

Women’s exclusion hindering peacekeeping efforts – NDC Commandant

Magdalene Ukuedojor
Feb, Wed, 2025

Health

Women’s exclusion hindering peacekeeping efforts – NDC Commandant

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By Justina Auta

Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC), has highlighted the exclusion of women from peacekeeping efforts as a major barrier to achieving lasting peace and stability.

He made this statement at the Fifth Annual Forum of the Women, Peace, and Security Sector Reference Group on Wednesday in Abuja.

During his speech on “Rethinking Masculinity for Effective Gender-Responsive Peacebuilding and Inclusive Security Institutions”, Olotu explained that masculinity was shaped by societal norms and cultural barriers.

He added that the lack of representation further prevented women from participating in peacekeeping efforts.

He emphasised that women were often more directly impacted by crises and security challenges, and their exclusion from peacebuilding efforts limited their ability to contribute their unique perspectives, skills, and experiences.

Olotu stated, “Gender-responsive peacebuilding acknowledges that conflicts affect both men and women differently, and sustainable peace cannot be achieved without addressing these disparities.”

He called for challenging outdated narratives around masculinity, recognising that men were not just warriors but also mediators, caregivers, and collaborators.

The commandant stressed the importance of rethinking masculinity and understanding that true strength lied not in domination or exclusion, but in the inclusion of all people to achieve effective and sustainable peace and security.

He urged that security leaders, policymakers, and advocates should question and reject norms that promote violence and aggression.

Olotu further called for inclusive decision-making processes that ensured women’s participation, as well as addressing all forms of gender-based violence and discrimination.

He acknowledged improvements in gender mainstreaming within Nigeria’s security sector, noting that more women were now represented in leadership roles and that gender-sensitive recruitment policies were gaining ground.

“Five of the nine newly promoted staff in the College are women, a clear indication that inclusivity is improving, and over time, the issue of exclusion will diminish,” he said.

Prof. Hauwa’u Yusuf, a Professor of Criminology and Gender Studies at Kaduna State University, also addressed the stereotype against women, stressing that when given the opportunity, women excel in leadership roles.

Mrs Chizoba Ogbeche, National Vice President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), emphasised the need for reorientation within security agencies.

She pointed out that improving the flow of information to the media could play a key role in addressing issues related to peace and security.

She further explained that such improvements in communication would help amplify important topics and raise awareness about critical matters affecting the public.

Additionally, community-based Women Peace and Security (WPS) groups, including media, the HeForShe network, women mediators, and mixed observer teams, shared their experiences promoting peace and security across Nigeria. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru