The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged graduates of the National Defence College (NDC) Course 34 to apply the knowledge gained from their training to develop policies that promote industrialisation, inclusive growth and regional stability across Africa.
Musa gave the charge on Monday in Abuja at the graduation lecture of NDC Course 34.
He congratulated the Commandant, faculty, staff and graduating participants for completing what he described as a rigorous programme designed to prepare leaders for greater responsibilities in national security, governance and strategic leadership.
The minister also commended the guest lecturer, former President Goodluck Jonathan, for his lecture titled “Harnessing Industrial Capacity for Inclusive Growth and Regional Stability in Africa.”
Musa said industrial development was no longer merely an economic objective but a strategic necessity for national security.
“A resilient industrial base strengthens economic competitiveness, creates productive employment, enhances national resilience and contributes significantly to regional peace and security,” he said.
He described Jonathan’s emphasis on transforming Africa’s natural and human resources into value-added production, technological innovation and sustainable prosperity as timely and critical to the continent’s future.
“Lasting peace cannot be sustained without inclusive economic growth, just as sustainable development cannot flourish in an environment of insecurity,” he said.
Musa said resilient institutions, infrastructure, technology and human capital, as well as stronger regional cooperation, were essential to securing Africa’s future.
He urged African countries to deepen collaboration through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area to promote industrialisation and shared prosperity.
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Addressing the graduates, the minister said they were returning to their respective services and ministries, departments and agencies at a time when strategic leadership was more important than ever.
“The knowledge and networks you have acquired here must now translate into sound policy, innovative thinking and effective leadership,” he said.
Musa urged them to champion integrated approaches that strengthen national resilience, promote economic development and enhance peace and security across their countries and the African continent.
He also commended the college for its continued contribution to national capacity building and strategic leadership development.
The event was attended by senior military officers, government officials, diplomats and members of NDC Course 34.
