National Defence College Hosts African Defence Colleges Strategic Seminar in Abuja: Uniting for a Safer, Stronger Africa
The National Defence College (NDC) Nigeria recently hosted the third edition of the African Defence Colleges Strategic Level Seminar on Professional Military Education in Abuja, drawing participation from seventeen African countries and the United States. The high-profile event, held under the auspices of the Forum of African Defence and War Colleges Conference (FADWCC), sought to foster collaboration among defence institutions and chart unified responses to the continent’s shared security challenges.
Declaring the seminar open, the Special Guest of Honour and Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Dr Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, represented by the Director of Joint Services, Mrs. Bosede Olaniyi, emphasised the urgent need for collective action. He called on African defence institutions to serve as “architects of a more secure and prosperous Africa” and to transform dialogue into actionable strategies. “Our challenges transcend borders; so must our solutions,” the Minister said, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to multilateral security cooperation and global peace.
In her goodwill message, the Director of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS), Ms. Amanda Dory, described the seminar as a “force multiplier” for building trust, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing professional military education. She commended the enduring collaboration between the NDC and ACSS, which has continued to promote unity and strategic thinking across African defence institutions.
Rear Admiral James Okosun, Commandant of the NDC Nigeria, welcomed participants with a reminder of the Swahili proverb, “a single bracelet does not jingle,” underscoring the need for shared efforts. He highlighted the seminar’s evolution since its first hosting in Cairo, Egypt, and its growing relevance in addressing insecurity, terrorism, and institutional fragility across the continent. “This forum offers a platform to advance knowledge, share experiences, and forge inter-institutional partnerships for our mutual benefit,” he stated.
The seminar, held in collaboration with the ACSS, National Defense University, United States, provided a dynamic platform for senior military educators, policymakers, and defence leaders to deliberate on contemporary security threats and innovative solutions. Over three days, the forum featured interactive sessions, strategy-focused discussions, and networking engagements aimed at strengthening regional cooperation.
In his closing remarks, Rear Admiral Okosun noted that the seminar had achieved its objectives. “We have succeeded in advancing knowledge needed to solve common problems, especially that of strengthening institutions in Africa, while nurturing partnerships. We leave fulfilled, knowing we have built friendships, networks, and bonds of shared aspirations.”
The event was attended by Nigerian Service Chiefs, Commandants of Army, Navy, Air Force War Colleges, senior government officials, and defence delegates from partner nations. Highlights included plenary sessions, presentations of souvenirs, and a commemorative group photograph.
As Africa continues to grapple with complex and evolving security dynamics, the 2025 African Defence Colleges Strategic Seminar stands as a clear reaffirmation of the continent’s commitment to unity, innovation, and education as critical tools for achieving a safer and stronger future.
