The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has restated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening institutions under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the graduation lecture of Course 33 participants of the National Defence College, Abuja, on Monday, Badaru said the Tinubu administration is pursuing reforms, leadership appointments, and new frameworks deliberately designed to promote accountability, professionalism, and effective coordination.
“In alignment with the President’s mission, the Ministry of Defence is focused on building systems that will outlast any administration and secure stability for future generations,” he said.
The minister noted that the theme of the lecture, “Strengthening Institutions for Good Governance in Africa,” delivered by former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, speaks directly to Africa’s future. He stressed that weak institutions lead to national decline, while strong institutions foster growth, stability, and prosperity.
“Strong nations are not built on strong individuals, but on resilient and accountable institutions,” he added.
Badaru explained that while African nations have made efforts to promote good governance and institutional resilience, peace, security, and development require deeper cooperation and stronger systems.
He maintained that Nigeria is ready to lead this push through domestic reforms and contributions to Africa’s renewal.
Charging the graduating participants of Course 33, the minister urged them to embrace their leadership responsibilities, noting that their 11-month training had equipped them to think strategically, act decisively, and lead with dignity.
“Your task is to strengthen the institutions you serve, for institutions only endure when leaders uphold fairness, accountability, and service to the people,” the minister said.
The Commandant of the NDC, Rear Admiral James Okosun, in his opening remarks, said graduation lectures were a long-standing tradition of the College to provide an opportunity to engage distinguished leaders whose lives and service exemplify excellence.
“It also serves to inspire and challenge our participants as they prepare to assume higher responsibilities within their services, ministries, departments, agencies, and other strategic institutions,” he said.
He urged the participants of Course 33, as future strategic leaders, to appreciate the pivotal role that strong institutions play in delivering good governance, noting that “Without resilient institutions, there can be no enduring security or sustainable development.”
