Navy chief Idi Abbas has charged the outgoing participants of the National Defence College’s Course -34 to remain intellectually curious while leading strategically. He gave the charge on Wednesday night at the Awards Event organised for the graduating participants in Abuja.
According to Mr Abbas, strategic leaders must anticipate change, frame problems accurately and make difficult decisions while remaining accountable for the outcomes.
He told the course-34 participants that their tasks came with a complex strategic environment marked by geopolitical rivalry, rapid technological change, economic uncertainty, terrorism, insurgency, banditry, transnational crime, and climate-related pressures.
“These challenges intersect and no longer respect borders. You must lead strategically, and above all, every decision you make must ultimately reflect national interests, respect human dignity and remain grounded in constitutional authority and law,” he said.
He noted that completing the course does not mark the end of learning, but the beginning of greater responsibilities, as subsequent appointments demand that you convert gained knowledge into purposeful action.
“Whether you serve in command, policy, diplomacy, law enforcement, public administration or international assignments, remain intellectually curious, morally courageous and calm under pressure.
“Speak truth respectfully, listen before deciding and ensure that your plans account for the people whose lives they affect. Uphold professionalism, constitutional loyalty, discipline and political neutrality while approaching every assignment with humility, courage and sound judgement,” he said.
Mr Abbas further advised the graduands, who came from countries across Africa and beyond, to maintain the relationships built during their time at the college.
“One of the most enduring assets you take from this college is the network built across services, institutions, professions and national boundaries. Do not allow these relationships to fade after graduation. Use it to bridge institutional divides, exchange ideas and coordinate responses to shared challenges,” he added.
Mr Abbas charged the international participants to remain worthy ambassadors of the NDC, highlighting the importance of the different perspectives they brought to the college. He also urged Nigerian participants across the services and other institutions to utilise the connections formed during their time at the college and preserve the spirit of consultation and cooperation.