By Bavoriat Clara
The National Defence College (NDC) on Sunday held a special thanksgiving service to mark the successful completion of its strategic leadership course, with the College Chaplain, Reverend Father Sub Lieutenant Gerald Obi, urging leaders at all levels to embrace responsibility, compassion, and sacrifice in their duties.
The solemn event, which drew members of the College community, allied participants, senior military officers, and invited guests, provided an opportunity for reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the values of service, leadership, and nation-building.
Delivering the sermon themed “Responsible Shepherds”, Reverend Father Obi drew inspiration from the first reading in Jeremiah 23:1–6 and the Gospel of Mark 6 and noted that leadership is not the exclusive preserve of politicians or church leaders but a duty that everyone carries in their various roles in life. He stressed that all individuals are shepherds in one way or another, explaining that whether as parents, children, drivers, or cleaners, each person is responsible for the wellbeing of those placed under their care.
The Chaplain identified five key attributes of a responsible shepherd, which include care and sensitivity to the needs of others, accessibility and approachability, leading by example, willingness to sacrifice personal comfort for the good of others, and maintaining closeness to God. Citing Jesus Christ as the model of true leadership, the Chaplain emphasized that a responsible leader must be compassionate, approachable, and willing to make sacrifices.
“A shepherd who does not listen cannot truly lead. A responsible leader must first be a responsible person,” he reminded.
In his remarks, the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral James Okosun, gave thanks to God for the successful conclusion of the course and for the safe return of participants from extensive study tours across Nigeria, Africa, and Europe.
He acknowledged the unwavering support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as the Service Chiefs and the College faculty, noting that their contributions were instrumental in ensuring the smooth running of the course.
Rear Admiral Okosun also paid tribute to the dedication of the College staff, describing them as the backbone of the institution’s success. He further emphasized the importance of moral and spiritual support provided by the clergy, which he said remained vital to the holistic development of strategic leaders.
Addressing the graduating participants, the Commandant urged them to see themselves as shepherds who must embody responsibility in their future assignments.
“As you go forth, remember that you are shepherds over men and women entrusted to your care. Let your leadership reflect responsibility, sacrifice, and compassion, so that your nations, both Nigeria and our allied countries, will be proud of you,” he charged.
He particularly commended the allied participants for their active engagement throughout the course and expressed hope that they would return to their home countries as ambassadors of both Nigeria and the National Defence College.
The National Defence College, Nigeria’s highest military training institution, continues to serve as the premier centre for strategic leadership training for senior officers of the Armed Forces, security agencies, and allied nations. The strategic course is designed to equip participants with critical decision-making skills, deepen their understanding of security and governance, and prepare them for high-level command and policy responsibilities.
This year’s programme, which included study tours across local, continental, and international destinations, further enriched participants’ knowledge of global security dynamics, governance structures, and collaborative approaches to national and international challenges.
The thanksgiving service ended with prayers for Nigeria, the Armed Forces, and the College community. Special emphasis was placed on peace, security, and divine guidance for leaders at all levels.
The event was marked by solemn hymns, scriptural readings, and a resounding call for leaders military and civilian alike to lead with responsibility, humility, and a commitment to service.
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