National Defence College Marks International Day In Grand Style
As part of activities lined up for the participants of NDC Course 32, the College has today 3 May 2024 organised International Day for allied participants of the College to showcase their culture and cuisines. Speaking at the event, the Special Guest of Honour and Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar said an event of this nature enhances collaboration and team work among the participants adding that participants have the opportunity to remember the beauty and diversity of various culture.
The Minister who was represented by Amb Tiwatope Fatile commended the current management of NDC for the effort to have an increase in the number of foreign participants this year. “The NDC environment apart from being an academic institution is becoming a diplomatic hub of a sort which is quite commendable. Today, the College has provided a platform for us to come together, share our heritage and strengthen our bonds as we appreciate various countries’ artefacts, cuisines, traditional dresses and music. Let us remember that our cultural identities are the threads that weave together our shared history, resilience and creativity. “Let us embrace our differences and celebrate our unique experiences,” the Minister said. He also commended the participants for being good ambassadors of their various nations through exhibition of traditions and customs which according to him, are the “bridges that connect nations.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commandant, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu said the International Day is a routine part of the NDC’s academic programme where the history and culture of participants are highlighted. He added that participants also use the opportunity of the event to display the culture, artefacts, maps and specialities of their countries during the event. According to him, “The International Day is aimed at fostering and deepening the existing cordial relationship between Nigeria and all the countries represented by our dear international participants, in addition to the need for strengthening the bond, friendship and comradeship amongst participants.”
The Commandant revealed that participants from 19 countries which are Republic of Benin, Botswana, Brazil, Chad, Congo, Cote d’ Ivoire the Gambia, Germany, Ghana, India Liberia, Mali, Nepal, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe have participants in the course.
