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ABUJA, 28TH OCTOBER, 2024: His Excellency President (Rtd) Uhuru Kenyatta delivered a compelling address today at the inauguration of Nigeria’s National Defence College (NDC) Course 33 in Abuja, highlighting the significance of strong institutions in promoting security and development across Africa. Themed “The Imperative of Strong Institutions: A Panacea for National Security and Development in Africa,” Kenyatta called upon African nations to establish robust internal frameworks as the foundation for resilient regional alliances. He stated, “The nucleus of strong regions is strong nations. We must get it right in our individual nations to build a more robust collective.”
The former Head of State shared six essential lessons drawn from his experience, focusing on how strong institutions facilitate sustainable development and national security. In his address to Africa’s youth, he emphasized that “investment in our human capital by creating viable social and economic pathways for our youth” is vital for achieving institutional resilience. With 70% of Africa’s population under the age of 30, he underscored the importance of providing youth with tangible opportunities, remarking, “Today, the much-touted demographic dividend of our youth has matured, and our young people would like to cash in their checks immediately.”
In his keynote address, Kenyatta also addressed the necessity for ethical management of public finances and equitable tax practices to establish functional markets, asserting that effective governance and transparency in public finance are crucial. “Citizens across the continent are increasingly aware of the social contract existing between themselves and the state,” he remarked.
Furthermore, Kenyatta highlighted that Africa’s natural resources should benefit the public good rather than a select few, stating, “Africa has been endowed with abundant resources, yet it is not immediately evident that this wealth has improved the lives of its citizens.” He pointed out that exploitation without the involvement of local communities fosters resentment and undermines state effectiveness.
Kenyatta, a member of the AU High-Level Panel for Ethiopia and Facilitator of the EAC-Led Nairobi Peace Process, also discussed the military’s role in supporting national security while respecting civilian oversight. He noted that strong electoral institutions are vital for safeguarding democracy, warning, “Failure to build credibility in electoral institutions may ultimately undermine the quality of leadership,” and underscored the military’s duty to uphold constitutionalism.
In his closing remarks, Kenyatta reminded attendees of their critical role, stating, “You are first and foremost the vanguards of constitutionalism. Success in this endeavor will yield the desired outcomes at the regional level when it is time for Nigeria to project its sphere of influence outwardly.”
The inauguration of the National Defence College (NDC) Course 33 in Nigeria is a significant event that launches a new academic year at the institution, which is Nigeria’s highest military training college. Each course intake, including the recently inaugurated Course 33, brings together senior military officers, government officials, and international participants who engage in a rigorous curriculum designed to strengthen strategic military leadership and develop expertise in national and international security matters.
The program at NDC aims to equip its participants with skills necessary to address modern security challenges through research, discussion, and policy recommendations. NDC’s focus on leadership in national security and defense strategy also fosters international cooperation, as a portion of each course typically includes foreign participants.