The Federal Government has reassured of its renewed determination to address acts of terrorism confronting the nation
This commitment was stated by Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo while representing President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan at the graduation ceremony of 130 participants, including non-Nigerians, of Course 20 at the National Defence College (NDC), Abuja.
He stated that, ‘insecurity remains a front burner national issue due to the activities of a misguided few… and the military is reinforcing its collaboration with the police and other security agencies to checkmate these unpatriotic activities within our national borders’.
He said, ‘This administration is committed to a rebirth of our national values and is resolved to tackle corruption and other related vices which continue to retard our development efforts frontally.’ ‘As a responsive government dedicated to meeting the expectations of the people, we are strengthening the military, police and other anti-corruption agencies, to enable them rekindle the war against corruption in all its ramifications’.
Congratulating the graduands, Vice President Sambo presented certificates to them, expressing with delight that the Armed Forces have proven to be a highly strategic national institution, not only as protectors of our territorial integrity but also as a unifying factor in our national development efforts. Commending the international participants of the Course, he pointed out that Nigeria remains committed to global peace and will continue to collaborate with other countries in order to attain a more secure world that guarantees peace and development.
Earlier the Minister of State for Defence, Erelu (Dr.) Olusola Obada expressed appreciation to the Federal Government on the premium it placed on the training and welfare of the members of the Armed Forces and indicated the desire of the NDC to key into the ongoing Transformation Agenda.
The Commandant, NDC, Rear Admiral T. J. Lokoson, stated that the NDC is the highest military training institution in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, dedicated to the preparation of senior military officers and their civilian counterparts for higher responsibilities at the strategic level.
Attendance at the event included the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa state, Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin, Service Chiefs, Chairmen, Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Defence, amongst others.