By Bavoriat Clara
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni, has restated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening institutions as the bedrock of good governance, accountability and national stability.
Speaking at the Graduation Lecture of Course 33 at the National Defence College (NDC) Auditorium in Abuja, the Minister emphasized that sustainable national progress depends not on strong personalities but on resilient institutions that can withstand challenges and guarantee continuity of governance.
“Strong nations are built on strong institutions, not strong individuals,” he declared, underscoring that the reforms and leadership appointments introduced under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda are designed to entrench professionalism, transparency and efficiency across all sectors of government, including defence.
Addressing the graduating participants, Abubakar charged them to embrace leadership as a sacred trust, reminding them that their duty is to leave behind systems stronger and more effective than they met them.
“Leadership is a trust. Your responsibility is to leave behind systems stronger than you found them,” he said, urging them to lead with integrity, accountability and an unwavering commitment to institutional growth.
The Minister also commended ongoing initiatives by African governments, the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to deepen democracy, enhance governance and promote peace across the continent. He stressed that greater regional cooperation is vital for consolidating these gains and securing Africa’s long-term development.
Abubakar further praised President Tinubu for his consistent support to the Armed Forces and the National Defence College, noting that such commitment continues to enhance Nigeria’s defence capacity and the training of future leaders.
He also welcomed the contributions of former Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo, who delivered the Graduation Lecture, describing his insights as a timely inspiration for the next generation of African leaders.
According to him, Akufo-Addo’s reflections on leadership and institutional development will remain a guiding light for those entrusted with shaping Africa’s future.
The event brought together senior government officials, members of the diplomatic community, defence chiefs, scholars and participants of Course 33, reaffirming the National Defence College’s role as a premier institution for training strategic leaders in Africa.
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