By Bavoriat Clara
The National Defence College (NDC) Nigeria has held the graduation lecture for Course 33 in Abuja with the theme “Strengthening Institutions for Good Governance in Africa.” The event featured His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, former President of the Republic of Ghana, as Guest Speaker, alongside Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni, the Commandant of NDC, Rear Admiral James Okosun, senior military leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries.
Delivering a comprehensive and thought-provoking lecture, the former Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, underscored that the greatest challenge confronting Africa is not a lack of resources or talent, but the weakness of its institutions.
He said for Africa to secure its future, it must deliberately invest in building strong, independent, and accountable systems of governance.
In his lecture, Nana Akufo-Addo stressed that Africa has for too long depended on personalities rather than institutions, leading to instability, corruption, and underdevelopment.
“The African continent has often relied on strong leaders rather than strong institutions. This reliance, as history has shown us, is unsustainable. When governance is built around individuals, it collapses with them. But when institutions are strong, they survive transitions, they guarantee justice, and they secure development,” he said.
He emphasized that democratic progress requires institutional checks and balances.
“No nation can claim to be on the path of sustainable development when its judiciary is compromised, when its electoral systems lack credibility, when its security agencies serve partisan interests, or when accountability mechanisms are weak. Good governance is only possible when institutions function without fear or favour.”
Drawing on Ghana’s democratic journey, Akufo-Addo recounted reforms that strengthened governance under his administration, including judicial independence, anti-corruption frameworks, and freedom of the press.
“We worked tirelessly to strengthen the independence of the judiciary, to improve the credibility of our Electoral Commission, and to support the role of civil society and the media. These measures were not about Akufo-Addo, they were about Ghana. Nations succeed when citizens trust their institutions more than they trust individuals.”
Akufo-Addo, also reflected on continental challenges, citing examples of governance breakdowns in parts of Africa. He warned against the temptation of leaders to manipulate institutions for personal gain.
“Across our continent, we have seen democracies collapse not because our people do not desire freedom, but because institutions meant to protect that freedom were subverted. When electoral commissions are weakened, when parliaments are reduced to rubber stamps, when the judiciary bends to executive pressure, then democracy loses its meaning.”Given his audience of defence professionals, the former President highlighted the importance of military and security institutions in supporting governance.
He noted that the military’s role is not only in defending territorial integrity but also in protecting constitutional order. “The men and women in uniform must always remember that their allegiance is to the constitution, not to an individual. A professional military that respects democratic institutions is the bedrock of national security. That is why your training here at the National Defence College is crucial you are being prepared not only to defend Nigeria and Africa against external threats but also to safeguard the institutions of state.”
Akufo-Addo challenged current and future African leaders, including the Course 33 graduands, to champion reforms in their various countries and institutions.
“As strategic leaders, you carry the responsibility of shaping the future of governance and security in Africa. When you leave this College, you must become advocates of strong institutions in your militaries, in your ministries, in your communities. That is the legacy Africa needs from you.”
He concluded his lecture with an optimistic call for African unity and determination. “Africa is not doomed to failure. We have the talent, the resources, and the will to succeed. But success will come only when we build systems that outlast us, institutions that protect our people, and governance that is rooted in justice. That is the Africa we must build together.”
In his response, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni, commended the former Ghanaian President for delivering what he described as a “masterclass on governance and security in Africa. He noted that Nigeria is already implementing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, aimed at strengthening key institutions.
“This lecture could not have come at a better time. Nigeria is committed to strengthening institutions to ensure accountability, transparency, and good governance. We will continue to support institutions like the National Defence College, which prepare leaders to understand and uphold this nexus between governance and security.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral James Okosun, explained that the graduation lecture is designed to broaden the intellectual and strategic horizon of participants.
“Our choice of theme this year was deliberate,” he said. “The survival of African states depends on strong and credible institutions. We are honoured that His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo, with his wealth of experience, is here to guide our graduating participants as they prepare to assume higher responsibilities in their careers.”
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies, Major General Kevin Okechukeemu Okande, described the lecture as enriching and transformative. He expressed gratitude to the guest speaker, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, and the diplomatic corps for their support.
“Your Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo, today you have proven that you are not only a statesman but also a teacher. You have given us wisdom that will shape the thinking of our graduands for years to come,” he said.
The graduation lecture, which precedes the formal passing out of NDC Course 33, reinforced the College’s reputation as a hub for strategic thought in Africa. With participants drawn from the Nigerian Armed Forces, paramilitary agencies, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as allied countries, the lecture served as a platform for charting Africa’s path to better governance and security.
The central message that echoed through the auditorium was unambiguous: Africa’s future depends not on strongmen, but on strong institutions.
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