Defence Minister Inaugurates Participants of National Defence College Course 34
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar today 9th October 2025 inaugurated participants of Course 34, National Defence College. Speaking at the event held at Abacha Hall of the College, the Minister commended the College for sustaining its reputation as a premier institution for strategic military education since its establishment in 1992.
He further stated that the inclusion of Allied participants will avail the Nation huge opportunity to interact and build excellent cordial relationship between Nigeria and other countries even as he congratulated participants on their selection to attend the course by their various services and Agencies. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to reposition and professionalize the Armed Forces through enhanced capacity building, efficient defence procurement, and improved inter-agency collaboration.
Delivering the lecture titled “Optimizing Capacity for Industrialization and Socio-Economic Development in Africa,” the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Industry (BOI), Dr. Olasupo Olusi, stressed the urgent need for Africa to harness African industrial potential for sustainable development of the Continent. Dr. Olusi noted that industries currently contribute only about 19.8 percent to Nigeria’s GDP – far below potential -and called for deliberate efforts to expand industrial capacity, strengthen organizational systems, and leverage social capital for national growth. He described NDC as an elite institution that promotes leadership, research, and policy excellence, urging Course 34 participants to act as strategic thinkers and policy shapers in Africa’s development agenda.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC), Rear Admiral JO Okosun, expressed appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Defence, the guest lecturer, and the representatives of the Service Chiefs, Police IG and Heads of other Security Agencies for gracing the occassion.
He commended Dr. Olusi for his insightful presentation which he said will contribute to Nigeria’s industrial and economic growth when implemented. He reaffirmed the College’s commitment to developing strategic leaders to address contemporary security and developmental challenges. He added that industrialization and socio-economic development remain vital pillars of national security, noting that optimizing Nigeria’s industrial capacity will help tackle poverty, unemployment, and insecurity while enhancing national defence readiness.
In his vote of thanks, the Deputy Commandant who also doubles as the Director of Studies thanked the Minister and Service Chiefs for their strategic leadership which he said dovetail to successes recorded by the college in the recent times. He charged course 34 participants to make good use of the opportunity provided by the course to develop themselves in the area strategic leadership.
Dignitaries that graced the event includes the Chief of Defence Staff, represented by Rear Admiral IA Shettima; the Chief of Army Staff , represented by Major General AS Ndalolo; the Chief of Naval Staff represented by Rear Admiral CE Atebi; and the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal D. Laden. Others are Representative of the Inspector General of Police, heads of Security Agencies, members of Diplomatic corps and captains of industries.
