Biodun Esan, Ilorin
The Provost of National Defense College, Abuja, Prof Adam Ahmed has described Kwara State as a model for peace, and national unity of the country.
The provost said this in Ilorin when he led a delegation of Course 32 of the National Defense College on a courtesy visit to the Government House. The course participants were on a week-long study tour of the state.
He also commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his committed efforts, and support for security agencies to maintain peace in the state.
A statement by the Governor’s Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Government House, Mashood Abdulrafiu Agboola said the theme of the tour to Kwara is: “Strengthening national unity for security and development in Nigeria: Kwara in perspective”.
Prof Ahmed noted that the people of the state are living in harmony despite their religious, tribes, and other social and political differences, thereby setting a pace for emulation.
“Kwara State is a model of the unity of Nigeria because people live together in harmony despite groups, religions, tribes, and other social and political configurations.
“It is this that the College realizes and sends the crème-de-la-crème of its membership to visit here so that we can appraise the role the state is playing in the strengthening of the unity in the state which also fosters unity in the country,” the Provost said.
He said the tour was crucial and forms a part of study activities in the military that seek to expose officers to a lot of happenings across the federation.
The Provost explained that the National Defense College was established 32 years ago as the apex military training institution.
According to him, the institution has a mandate to train people for joint activities at strategic levels.
“It is the highest training military establishment that brings the various arms of the military, Navy, Air force, Army, and members of security agencies like the Police and DSS together,” he said.
He thanked the Governor for the warm reception, saying they were looking forward to enjoying their stay within the stipulated period.
In his remarks, Gov AbdulRazaq said his administration would not relent in its collaboration with security agencies and other critical stakeholders to ensure a secure and safe society.
AbdulRazaq, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Mamman Saba Jibril, said the state has been enjoying relative peace and security due to existing strong synergy among the government, security agencies, traditional rulers, and other critical stakeholders.
He said the theme for this year’s study tour is apt and coming at a better time, noting that all hands must be on deck to strengthen unity for a secure society and achieve desired development.
AbdulRazaq commended members of the armed forces and other security agencies for their selfless services to the nation.
He also appreciated the roles of traditional institutions in maintaining peace and security in their various domains and promised to continue to prioritize the safety of people.
“I strongly believe that a series of lectures and other programs lined up to harvest and harness relevant information on this theme for the good of the generality of the populace will do justice to all sub-topics under the main theme and enrich your study in relation to Kwara State,” he said.
Permanent Secretary, Political Cabinet, and Special Services, Mrs. Oluyomi Esther Folasanyo were among the dignitaries at the event.
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