The National Defence College, the apex military training institution in Nigeria and sub-Saharan region recently inaugurated a total of 128 participants that span from the Nigerian Armed Forces, Nigeria police, Ministries Departments and Agencies. Also, participants from 17 countries that cut across Asia, Europe and part of Africa were among the participants inaugurated. The special Guest of honour, General Yakubu Gowon GCFR while delivering the inauguration lecture titled the Nigerian Youth and National Security: An Examination of Strategic Options, asserted that the title of the lecture falls within the realm of his believe in mentoring young people and providing advice and guidance on national unity, peace and stability whenever needed.

 

General Yakubu Gowon delivering Inauguration Lecture to participants of Course 27

 

General Gowon reiterated that there is a prevalent national security risk of a large youth population which necessitates a compelling need for a deliberate strategic option to keep young people from maladaptive behaviours to adaptive behaviours for the common good of nationhood. The guest lecturer emphasized, that the aftermath of the civil war necessitated the government to initiate new policies and programmes as well as create new institutions to strengthen the clearly weak traditional institutions, in other to heal the decays of the society. This initiative he emphasized, prompted the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, which was a structural mechanism designed to promote unity and integration. He added that there is hope for future positive social engagement and political inclusion for the youth.

 

 

 Major General Peter Dauke being introduced to General Yakubu Gowon

on his arrival to National Defence College Nigeria

 

The Commandant, National Defence College, Rear Admiral Adeniyi Osinowo while given his remarks, reiterated that the College’s values which are erected on Excellence, Integrity and Service, provided the basis for continuation of the institutional values which demands absolute commitment to hard work in order to uphold the essential standards in a manner that will enable its graduates to be truly strategic leaders in the 21^st century.

 

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mansur Muhammad Dan-Ali used the opportunity to commend the President, Commander In- Chief of the Armed Forces, General Muhammadu Buhari, for signing the Bill on Not –Too-Young to Run, which will encourage the youths to partake in active politics. Similarly, the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development during his remarks beckon on African leaders to review their efforts towards addressing challenges confronting youth within the Continent. He reiterated the need to use sports for job creation and promotion of peace and security. Conclusively, the Inauguration Activities included tree planting and commissioning of Participants Quarters 4 at the National Defence College Permanent Site Piwoyi.

 

General Yakubu Gowon(Gcfr)During The Planting of Trees Ceremony At NDC Permanent Site Piwoyi

 

 

 

 

 

General Yakubu Gowon’s Arrival At NDC Permanent Site Piwoyi for Foundation Laying

Ceremony of NDC Administration Block

 

 

 

Reflection of The Inauguration Ceremony of NDC Course 27 Participants

 

 

 

 

 

Group Photograph to Mark The Inauguration Ceremony