Rear Admiral James Okosun on Monday in Abuja assumed duty as the 21st Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC), taking over from Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu.
In his inaugural remarks, Okosun commended his predecessor for his transformational leadership, which he said had elevated the college’s standing. He pledged to build on the foundation already laid and take the institution to even greater heights.
“One thing I will enjoin all of us, especially the college community, is that we must keep the college mission in focus.
We must intensify efforts to develop the quality and the right leadership that will help in our national security task confronting the country.
I therefore enjoin all of us to be dedicated and put all our effort into good teamwork to achieve our mission and vision,” he said.
Earlier, the outgoing commandant, Olotu, thanked members of the college for their support and cooperation during his tenure.
He highlighted the NDC’s continued contribution to national development and security, as well as its growing influence within the West African sub-region, across the continent and globally.
He praised the college’s management, directing staff and other personnel for their integrity and intellectual competence.
According to him, the institution under his leadership over the past two years remained committed to positioning Nigeria’s premier military college on the global stage.
“I dare say that in the past two years, we have not only continued from legacies laid by our founding fathers and other commandants that have come and gone, but we have also tried in our own little ways to further improve the college.
I want to really thank everyone, starting from my immediate predecessor, who is here present today, to witness some of the legacies that he left behind come into reality.
I want to say that I am also very happy and proud to be handing over to someone who has not just been a colleague, but also a friend,” he said.
(NAN)