The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has charged National Defence College Course 32 graduands to advance the tenets of democracy as a pathway to Africa’s unity and development.
Speaking at the National Defence College Course 32 Graduation Lecture, themed “Democracy Beyond the Ballot Box: A Pathway to Africa’s Unity and Development,” the Minister emphasized that democracy goes beyond elections and is pivotal in addressing the continent’s challenges.
The Minister praised the role of regional bodies such as ECOWAS and the African Union in promoting democratic governance across the continent. He noted that these institutions are instrumental in setting regional and continental standards, supporting member States in implementing democratic principles, and fostering collaboration on issues such as trade, security, and climate change.
In another development, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Ibrahim Abubakar Kana has called for a deeper partnership between Nigeria and Water Reed Army Institute of the United States of America on medical research for the benefit of the Military personnel and the civilians in Nigeria.
He stated this when he received the leadership of Water Reed Army Institute of Research USA also at the Ship House. He noted that the current partnership between Water Reed Institute of Research and the Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme has increased the relationship between the two countries and the Military of both nations.
Speaking further, the Defence Ministry Permanent Secretary called for more partnerships in areas of research not only in the treatment of diseases like malaria but as well as in the prevention.
The leader of the delegation of Water Reed Army Institute, Air Commodore Cownell Eli Lozano assured the Permanent Secretary of the deeper commitment of the United States to continue to support the existing relationship with Nigeria.
Editor: Ken Eseni
