Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), OFR, has charged graduates of the National Defence College (NDC) Course 34 to deploy their training towards policies and initiatives that promote industrialisation, economic development, national resilience and regional stability.
Musa gave the charge on Monday at the graduation lecture of Course 34 held at the National Defence College Auditorium in Abuja, where he stressed the need for strategic leadership capable of addressing the interconnected challenges of security and economic development.
The minister said the relationship between security and prosperity could no longer be ignored, noting that lasting peace could not be sustained without inclusive economic growth, just as sustainable development could not thrive in an environment of insecurity.
Musa made the remarks while responding to a lecture delivered by former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, who served as the Distinguished Guest Lecturer at the event.
Jonathan’s lecture, titled “Harnessing Industrial Capacity for Inclusive Growth and Regional Stability in Africa,” was commended by the minister for highlighting the strategic importance of industrial capacity to Africa’s future.
According to Musa, industrial capacity was no longer merely an economic aspiration but a strategic imperative, as a resilient industrial base strengthens economic competitiveness, creates productive employment, enhances national resilience and contributes significantly to regional peace and security.
He further noted that Africa’s abundant natural and human resources must be transformed into value-added production, technological innovation and sustainable prosperity if the continent was to realise its full potential.
The minister identified resilient institutions, infrastructure, technology and human capital development, alongside stronger regional cooperation, as indispensable to securing Africa’s future.
He also urged African countries to collectively pursue policies that promote industrialisation, innovation and shared prosperity, particularly as the continent continues to deepen economic integration through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Addressing the graduating participants, Musa said they were returning to their respective Services, Ministries, Departments and Agencies at a time when strategic leadership was more critical than ever.
He urged them to translate the knowledge and networks acquired during their training into sound policies, innovative thinking and effective leadership.
Musa further challenged the graduates to champion integrated approaches that would strengthen national resilience, promote economic development and enhance peace and security, both within their respective countries and across the African continent.
The minister congratulated the Course 34 participants on successfully completing the rigorous programme and commended the Commandant, faculty and staff of the National Defence College for sustaining the institution’s reputation as Nigeria’s foremost centre for strategic and professional military education.
He also expressed appreciation to Jonathan for honouring the College’s invitation and sharing his experience and perspectives on industrial capacity, inclusive growth and regional stability.
Musa thereafter declared the National Defence College Course 34 Graduation Lecture officially closed.
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