NDC Course 32 participants begin study tour of 6 countries

The Course 32 participants of the National Defence College, Nigeria (NDC) have commenced a study tour to Rwanda, Kenya, Malawi, Guinea-Bissau, Morocco, and Benin.

The theme of the study tour is “Strengthening National Unity for Security and Development in Nigeria.”.

The participants have been divided into eight teams, according to the college’s public relations officer, Navy Capt. Chinwe Umar, on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said while in Kigali, Rwanda, on Wednesday, the team met with the country’s Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Muganga Mubarakh.

The Commandant of NDC, Rear Adm. Olumuyiwa Olotu, said the study tour was an integral part of the college’s curriculum on international affairs and regional studies.

Olotu said the tour was envisioned to promote a functional understanding of the regional environment for security and development.

He added that the objective was to facilitate participants’ understanding of specific contemporary themes of human security and development and analyse the dynamics of geo-political and bilateral relations with Nigeria.

Other objectives, he said, are to facilitate participants’ understanding of international politics and how it impacts African countries.

Olotu added that it would broaden their appreciation of crucial issues of geopolitics, it’s social and economic importance in the global arena, and how these impact Nigeria’s national security and development.

The commandant said that the participants were expected to draw lessons for Nigeria’s security and development.

“The essence of the tour is to acquaint participants with an understanding of the dynamics of international and regional relations, as exemplified in the various lectures and seminars already conducted in the module.

“The visit is designed to enable the participants to conduct in-depth research, critical analysis with data, and interrogate efforts and strategies employed by GoR to manage diversity in promoting national unity for enhanced national development.

“Hence, the topic for the tour is “Managing Diversity for National Development in Rwanda: Lessons for Nigeria,” he said.

Olotu said the team was there to examine various efforts and policies of the government in managing diversity in Rwanda through various socio-economic development policies.

He said that participants were expected to present their findings, bringing out the peculiarities of Rwanda based on first-hand information, analysis, and data obtained during the tour.

The Rwandan CDS, Mubarakh, commended the commandant of NDC Nigeria for leading the delegation to Rwanda, adding that Rwanda and Nigeria had a strong bond.

He said the country was working hard to balance the genocide issue and unite the people.

The Rwandan CDS said they have been managing situations in which people who committed genocide are residing with their victims.

“It is a situation we sometimes find very disturbing, but the country is working on it and building on national unity,” the Rwandan defense chief added. (NAN)