FCTA Pledges To Fast-Track Infrastructural Development Of National Defence College Permanent Site

From Emmanuel Iyoho

ABUJA

The Federal Capital Territory Administration FCTA) is working assiduously to fast-track infrastructural development in the Institutional District where the permanent site of the    National Defence College (NDC) is being developed to facilitate its movement to the permanent campus.

FCT minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, disclosed this while receiving the visiting commandant, National DefenceCollege (NDC), Rear Admiral Murtala M. Bashir, in his Abuja office recently.

Malam Musa Bello said while congratulating the commandant on his appointment that the college has always produced very high quality Nigerian and foreign graduates, who have been the pride of the country and the college.

The minister acknowledged that after 30 years, the NDC hasbecome a very strategic leadership training institute not only for the Armed Forces but for other Nigerians as well.

He expressed his delight that Abuja was host city for such an important institution and pledged the support of the FCT administration for its continual growth and development.

Malam Bello also said that it would be an honour for him to deliver a paper on leadership during the 30th anniversary celebrations following a request from Rear Admiral Bashir for him to do so.

The minister however appealed for consideration of short capacity development courses for some traditional leaders as well as staff of the FCTA, to enable them to improve their understanding and appreciation of government policies and regulations.

Earlier, the commandant had commended the FCT minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, on the provision of critical infrastructure and ensuring security in the FCT.

He also congratulated the FCTA on the performance of its director of Security, Mr Adamu Gwary, a member of Nigerian Defence College Course 30 whom he described as an exceptional participant who was giving a good account of himself and the FCTA in the NDC.

Rear Admiral Bashir said, “We want to recognize and appreciate the good work you are doing in the FCT in terms of provision of security and development of critical infrastructure. Our prayer is that that the Almighty God will continue to give you the focus so that you will take the Territory to the next level”.

While revealing that the college will be celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2022, he solicited the support of the FCT Administration for the success of the anniversary celebrations.

Bashir said the college was established in 1992 to “impart knowledge and develop the expertise of senior military officers and their contemporaries in the paramilitary organizations and strategic ministries, departments and agencies.

He maintained that the establishment of the collage was as a result of a firm understanding of all the factors that impact on international security, and to prepare them for higher responsibilities at the operational and strategic levels of governance”.

Dignitaries at the event were the college secretary, Air ViceMarshal Kennam, director of Coordination, Brig. Gen. Alechenuand director of Geopolitical Affairs Amb. Sola Enikanduye.

Also, included were the chief of staff to the FCT minister, Malam Bashir Mai-Bornu, SSA to the minister on Security,Amb. Salihu Mohammed, among other senior officials of the FCTA and the NDC.