The Honourable Minister of Defence, H. E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has charged National Defence College (NDC) Course 32 Graduands to advance the tenets of democracy as a pathway to Africa’s unity and development.

This was contained in a statement signed by Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr Director (Information and Public Relations).

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.

“Democracy in Africa holds great virtues that extend far beyond the mere act of voting in an election,” Minister Abubakar stated. He highlighted the importance of inclusive governance, where citizens are actively involved in decision-making processes beyond the electoral cycle. “By emphasizing transparency and inclusivity, democracy can build trust in institutions and create a more cohesive society where shared goals and collective responsibility drive development,” he added.

The Minister praised the role of regional bodies such as ECOWAS and the African Union (AU) 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. “This regional cohesion, driven by democratic values, can enhance collective problem-solving and drive development efforts more effectively,” the Minister observed.

Badaru called on the graduating participants to apply the strategic knowledge they have acquired to advance democracy and ensure a secure environment for development across Africa. “Development can only thrive where there is security. You must leverage the knowledge you have acquired to provide an enabling security environment for the development that the African continent is yearning for,” he urged.

The Minister acknowledged the presence of the former President of Republic of Tanzania, H. E. Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete who is the Guest speaker at the event.

Furthermore, the Minister expressed hope that democracy would continue to serve as a catalyst for unity and development across Africa, stressing the need for collective efforts in building a strong and united continent. “Let us embrace democratic norms as a pathway to engendering Africa’s unity and development,” Minister Abubakar implored.

The Minister of State For Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle in his remarks to mark the closing ceremony of DICON 60th Anniversary and African Defence Industries Conference said the event has shown the progress that has been made in Nigeria Defence sector via the showcasing of innovation, collaboration and expertise in our local defence industry

He also extended his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support to the Armed Forces And DICON in extension, for always prioritizing the requirements for the Military.

In same vein he extended his gratitude to other indigenous Defence companies/organization for there efforts and innovations

In his closing he assured the International partners that investing in Nigeria’s Military Industrial complex is an investment worth every penny. While thanking the Organizers for bringing the event together as it has brought glamour and pride to DICON and the country at Large.

Earlier while giving his Vote of thanks, the Director General Defence Industries Corporation Of Nigeria (DICON) Maj. Gen AE Edet Extended his gratitude to Mr President for the Enactment of the DICON Acts 2023 as it will shape a clear path of progress for the nation as it pertains to our self reliance in the Defence sector.

He also appreciated the unwavering support DICON has received from the Service Chiefs and Ministry of Defence, while also thanking and also calling for more collaboration between DICON and there Local and Foreign Partners.
In closing he thanked everyone present at the event for making it a resounding success

The highlights of the days event was the 2 interactive Panel sessions that were majorly focused on Overcoming Brain drain in Nigeria and integrating AI with human skills for defence innovation.

The closing event also featured a pitching presentations from the top ten finalists of the Defence Innovation challenge, and the top 3 were awarded and also received cash prizes from Sen Ned Nwoko.

In a colourful event to mark the 60th anniversary of DICON and the maiden African Defence Industries Conference, H.E Bello Matawalle leads delegation to celebrate the agency achievement and chart the course forward to take the agency forward.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ably represented by the Secretary to the Government of the federation, Sen George Akume, in his address commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), celebrating six decades of resilience and innovation. Stating that DICON remains a cornerstone of the nation’s military-industrial complex, providing essential support to the Armed Forces and Security Agencies.

President Tinubu also shared his commitment to advancing DICON’s growth, emphasizing that within his first six months in office, he signed the DICON Act 2023 into law. This move has created the right environment for modernizing DICON’s production capabilities, including the development of automated production lines for unmanned aerial and land vehicles. These advancements, Tinubu believes, will significantly enhance Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes.

In his conclusion he said The signing of the DICON Act 2023 marks a new era, positioning DICON as the arrowhead of the Military Industrial Complex, driving strategic objectives in defence manufacturing and technology, and modernising the Armed Forces to address national and sub-regional security challenges. This aligns with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” and the DICON Evolution Strategy and Road Map 2030, launched today, aiming to bridge performance gaps and reposition DICON as a global player, realising the vision of our founding fathers.

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, In his address praised DICON’s journey since its establishment in 1964, noting how it has become a crucial part of Nigeria’s national security by supplying the Armed Forces with vital equipment. Matawalle expressed pride in the legacy of resilience and innovation that DICON represents for the country.

Matawalle highlighted that theDICON ACTS 2023 allows DICON to operate with more independence and efficiency, which is essential as Nigeria looks to strengthen its defence capabilities in the coming years.

In his closing remarks, Matawalle expressed enthusiasm for the Maiden Africa Defence Industries Conference and the Defence Innovation Challenge, initiatives stating that it will bring together experts and young talents from across Africa to drive advancements in defence technology. He called for collaboration across all sectors to achieve the goals set out in the Vision and Strategy Road Map 2030.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, The Director General Of DICON, Maj.Gen A.E Edet, stated that the Event was to celebrate the achievement so far of the agency and also to chart a way forward saying they are committed to partnerships, investing in human resources and development of Defence technologies.

The event had in attendance Members Of the National Assembly, Diplomatic Corps, Service Chiefs, DICON partners amongst others.

Goodwill messages were received From Minister of steel development, Prince shuaibu Audu Abubakar, Hon. Babajimi Benson, Presentations were also received from Epail Nigeria, National Radio Telecom, Pakistan and Arab Organization for Industrialization, Egypt.

The highlights of the event was the unveiling of the new DICON logo, Book launch, Defence Exhibition amongst others