By Bavoriat Clara
The National Defence College (NDC) Nigeria has hosted the graduation dinner and awards night for participants of Course 33 in Abuja, marking the conclusion of the institution’s annual academic calendar.
The colourful event brought together senior military officers, government officials, members of the diplomatic community, and allied participants from various countries.
In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, congratulated the graduating participants and charged them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired at the College in tackling complex defence and security challenges in their countries and across the globe. He described their success as a testament to resilience, discipline, and strategic focus.
The Minister commended the 87 Nigerian officers and their allied colleagues for their dedication throughout the 12-month course, stressing that the friendships and partnerships built during their time at the College would remain invaluable. “Our allied friends here represented are a salute to the scholarship and diversity you bring to this great institution,” he stated.
Dr. Matawalle reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening security and urged the graduates to continue supporting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in its efforts to improve national security and the well-being of citizens.
He praised the National Defence College for living up to its mandate and justifying its reputation as one of the leading global institutions in defence, security, and strategic studies. The Minister further commended the Commandant, Rear Admiral James Okosun, and members of faculty, noting that this was the first graduation under his leadership. “Your commitment and dedication to work remain exemplary,” he added.
Before concluding, Dr. Matawalle acknowledged the presence of dignitaries at the event, including the Service Chiefs, Inspector-General of Police, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, members of the NDC Advisory Council, the Alumni Association, heads of departments and agencies, and families of the graduating participants. He expressed delight at joining the Commandant and staff of the College in celebrating Course 33, describing the moment as both historic and inspiring.
Also delivering a moving speech on behalf of the allied participants, Brigadier General Bassem Shahba of the Egyptian Air Defence Force expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Government, Armed Forces, and the NDC for their hospitality and support throughout the programme.
“We particularly appreciate the warm welcome you have given us since our arrival in Nigeria until today. We have never felt like strangers — we felt completely at home,” Brig Gen Shahba said.
He described the course as a significant milestone in the participants’ journey as strategic leaders, noting that the lessons, insights, and networks built would be carried into their future careers to promote peace, security, and stability across regions.
The allied participants’ representative paid glowing tribute to the Commandant and faculty of the College, acknowledging their “tireless efforts in shaping our minds and broadening our perspectives.” He also extended appreciation to fellow graduates, describing the shared experience as one enriched by diverse backgrounds and unity in difficult times.
Making special reference to the late Captain Sokobdo Ahmado, Brig Gen Shahba said his passing was the most difficult moment of the course but also highlighted the solidarity, material, and moral support extended by colleagues and the College community to his family.
The allied participants also expressed appreciation to their sponsors and support staff, acknowledging both professional and cultural experiences gained during their stay, including an introduction to Nigeria’s famed jollof rice, pepper stew, and pounded yam. He singled out Charles, the allied participants’ bus driver, for his discipline and dedication.
Brig Gen Shahba concluded by thanking the organisers of the graduation dinner for their attention to detail, which made the event dignified and memorable. “This is the end of our course, but the beginning of a lifelong relationship,” he declared, offering prayers for Nigeria and all participating nations.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral James Okosun, congratulated the graduating officers for successfully completing the course. He emphasized that the training was designed to build strategic leaders capable of addressing complex defence, security, and policy challenges at national, regional, and global levels.
The dinner and awards night also featured the presentation of prizes to outstanding participants who distinguished themselves during the course, as well as cultural displays that reflected Nigeria’s rich diversity.
The event rounded off a series of activities marking the graduation of NDC Course 33, ahead of the formal convocation ceremony.
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