ABUJA – The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, on Monday charged participants of National Defence College (NDC) Course 33 to take up the responsibility of strengthening institutions as a pathway to good governance in Africa.
Badaru gave the charge at the Graduation Lecture of the college in Abuja, which featured former President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, as guest lecturer.
The minister said the tradition of inviting eminent African leaders to engage the participants remained a fine practice that enriched their knowledge and sharpened their strategic thinking.
“The theme of today’s lecture, ‘Strengthening Institutions for Good Governance in Africa,’ goes to the very heart of our continent’s future.
“When institutions are weak, nations falter. When institutions are strong, nations endure, economies grow, and societies thrive,” he said.
Badaru stressed that strong nations were not built on strong individuals but on resilient and accountable institutions, adding that Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda was committed to reforms that promote accountability, professionalism, and effective coordination.
According to him, the Ministry of Defence is fully aligned with the President’s mission to build systems that outlast administrations and secure stability for generations to come.
He acknowledged progress across the continent but noted that peace, security, and development still required deeper cooperation and stronger institutions.
“Nigeria stands ready to lead, not only by reforming at home, but also by contributing to Africa’s collective renewal,” he said.
The minister congratulated the graduating participants of Course 33 for successfully completing their training and urged them to apply the knowledge gained in their future assignments.
“Over the past 11 months, you have been prepared to think strategically, act decisively, and lead with dignity. Leadership is not merely an office, it is a trust, a responsibility to leave behind systems stronger than you met them,” Badaru said.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support to the Armed Forces and the College, and also praised the Commandant and staff of NDC for successfully steering the course.
The Commandant of NDC, Rear Adm. James Okosun, said the tradition of inviting eminent leaders to deliver the graduation lecture was aimed at inspiring and challenging participants as they prepared to assume higher responsibilities.
Okosun described the presence of the former Ghanaian leader as a privilege, noting that his wealth of experience and strategic insights would enrich the graduates’ understanding of governance and leadership.
He stressed that resilient institutions were essential to national security and stability, adding that strong nations were built not on individuals but on accountable systems.
“In recent years, Nigeria has faced numerous security challenges, ranging from insurgency and militancy to kidnapping and resource-based agitations.
“Unfortunately, these reflect a wider pattern across Africa, where weak institutions undermine governance, peace, and development.
“To our graduating participants, as future strategic leaders, you must appreciate the pivotal role that institutions play in delivering good governance. Without resilient institutions, there can be no lasting security or sustainable development,” he said.
The Commandant urged the officers to apply the lessons learnt at the college to strengthen governance frameworks in their respective services, ministries, and agencies. (NAN)
