President Tinubu promises to strengthen stronger ties, address challenges within ECOWAS community.

President Bola Tinubu has assured that as the current chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) he would do everything necessary to strengthen ties and resolve present challenges within the community.

He said as leaders, they must continue to promote democratic values and uphold democratic principles in the country and across the African continent.

The president said this on Friday, August 23, when he spoke as the Special Guest of Honour at the graduation ceremony of Course 32 of the National Defence College (NDC), in Abuja

Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shetima, charged members of Course 32 of the NDC to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing regional and global security threats.

The president said Nigeria was faced with many socio-economic challenges, but recently significant strides had been made to address some of these challenges.

Tinubu said that as a government sensitive to the plight of the people, he would continue to “actively intervene” in matters that benefit the citizens.

He added that the implementation of a new national minimum wage, “which he said would benefit not only civilian workers but also personnel of the Nigerian armed forces and other security agencies, was a testament to his commitment to the welfare of workers.

The president acknowledged the “exceptional service and dedication” of the military and other security forces for making “remarkable sacrifices and recorded significant achievements” in protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity, and securing the lives and properties of our citizens, under his watch.

“I will continue to do everything within my constitutional powers to ensure that the Nigerian military is well-resourced and ready for battle,” he said.

He said the graduation ceremony of course 32nd had further enriched the college’s reputation as a centre of excellence, particularly in leadership training, adding that the college’s unique side of consolidating knowledge through a broad thematic area had helped to find sustainable solutions to national security and development problems in Nigeria, Africa, and Europe. 

The president said: “I am delighted to see many military officers from Africa, Asia, Europe and South America. I do not doubt that the graduates of course 32 will apply their knowledge, expertise, and skill sets acquired during the course to find solutions to our security and development challenges.

“As we gather today, we will combine the importance of strategic leadership in addressing the complex security and development challenges facing our nation. The theme of this course is particularly relevant as we strive to build a more powerful nation.

“I encourage you to continue upholding the values of excellence, courage, patriotism, and integrity that have guided your journey so far. As you return to your services, organizations, and agencies, I urge you to apply your newfound knowledge and skills to address our nation’s complex challenges. You have been given this opportunity in this college, and I am sure I will not be disappointed in your field.”

Tinubu congratulated the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, and the management of the college for their “tireless efforts in improving and empowering this remarkable group of strategic leaders.

“Their work is a testament to the college’s commitment to excellence in human character and development,” he said.

The president thanked the graduates for their research in the mining sector, which he said had provided strategic options for harnessing the mining industry to enhance national security and development.

“We are already working with the fundamentals of your recommendations and we are looking forward to actualizing it.

He said: “I commend you for your unwavering commitment to your profession, especially since you left your family behind for months to pursue this cause.

“Receiving the award of Fellow of the Defence College from this prestigious institution is indeed a thing of immense pride.”

In his remarks, the Commandant of the college thanked the president for his “tremendous support”, which he said had enabled them to improve the college’s facilities.