The Nigerian Army (NA) has expressed high praise for the National Defence College (NDC) and its remarkable efforts in promoting innovation and reforms. The NA lauded the NDC’s comprehensive course packages and exercises, which have consistently produced exceptionally trained strategic leaders for the Armed Forces, Ministries, Departments, and allied nations worldwide.
During a meeting at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, the Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, commended the NDC as a reliable center of learning. He acknowledged that the NA’s own reforms and interventions across the country were made possible through the NDC’s valuable research efforts, leading to enhanced operational efficiency and administrative tasks.
The CoAS specifically highlighted the significant impact of the college in producing highly skilled senior officers who have excelled in various strategic positions within NA formations. He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to continuing to rely on the NDC for the training and education of its strategic leadership cadre. Additionally, he expressed gratitude for the existing partnership and relationship between the two institutions, vowing to maintain and nurture this cooperation to foster the nation’s development, peace, and stability.
In congratulating Rear Admiral Olumiyiwa Morakinyo Olotu on his well-deserved appointment as Commandant NDC, the CoAS further underscored the excellent relationship between the college and the NA. He assured the Commandant of the NA’s unwavering support, including the provision of observers from Army Headquarters for joint exercises. Such collaborations would allow officers to learn new techniques and contribute to the overall development of the Armed Forces.
Responding to the commendation, Rear Admiral Olumiyiwa Morakinyo Olotu, Commandant of the NDC, expressed gratitude and highlighted the college’s vital role as the highest military institution in Nigeria. He emphasized that the NDC provides strategic-level training to officers of the Armed Forces, senior civilians from ministries, officers from para-military institutions, and foreign officers from allied countries.
The Commandant elaborated on the college’s continuous efforts to improve and excel in its training and preparation of senior officers for strategic and international appointments. He thanked the CoAS for the unyielding support to the college, particularly in securing critical facilities. This support has further strengthened the NDC’s capacity to contribute to the nation’s defense and development.
The meeting emphasized the shared commitment of the Nigerian Army and the National Defence College in fostering a harmonious partnership to achieve the country’s desired development goals and maintain peace and stability within the region and beyond.
