The Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC), Rear Admiral James Okosun, has called on participants of Course 33 to always uphold the national interest above personal considerations in the discharge of their duties.
Rear Admiral Okosun gave the charge during a special Juma’at service held in Abuja on Friday in honour of the graduating participants. He was represented at the event by the College Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Ayodele Hanidu.
The Commandant reminded the officers of their oath of allegiance, stressing that as members of the Armed Forces, they carry a dual responsibility not only to live exemplary lives as citizens but also to be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.
“You have undergone 44 weeks of rigorous academic training that have prepared you to become strategic leaders and policymakers,” he said. “But it is not yet over. As Muslims, it is incumbent on us to continually seek knowledge that will make us better people, improve our communities, and make the world a better place. As soldiers, we must remember every day that we are prepared to lay down our lives for our country.”
Rear Admiral Okosun highlighted that the training at the College had exposed participants to higher defence and strategic management concepts, equipping them with the skills to harness resources effectively.
“They have learnt what we call the strategic equation ends, ways, and means. As they graduate next week, by God’s grace, we expect them to serve as worthy ambassadors of this College,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Colonel Umar Abbas urged his colleagues to remain grateful for the opportunities they have received and to cultivate a spirit of forgiveness towards those who may have wronged them.
The event formed part of activities lined up to mark the graduation of NDC Course 33.
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