By Ojotule Romanus
The National Defence College Course 34, has embarked on a week long study tour to Kogi State.
The training programme is designed to broaden the analytical skills of participants while creating a platform for them to contribute their quota to leadership enhancement and policy making.
The theme of the course is centred on, “Harnessing Solid Mineral Resources For National Security On Nigeria: Kogi State In Perspective”
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Members are drawn from the Nigerian armed forces, police, paramilitary and foreign countries as well as faculty and support staff of the Defence College, Abuja
The Kogi State Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Salifu, received the delegation on behalf of the State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Odoodo, at the Mini Banquet Hall Government House, Lokoja recently.
Speaking on the purpose of their visit, the team leader and the Provost, Center For Strategic Research and Studies, Professor Okene Ahmed, stated that the NDC, Abuja, was the highest military training institution in Nigeria, established in 1992 with the objective to prepare senior officers of the Armed forces of Nigeria, foreigners, and also senior civilians in Government Ministries, Department and Agencies for leadership and strategic development.
According to him, the team made of 35 participants comprising nine from the Army, six from the Air Force, three from the Navy, one from the Nigeria Police Force, eight members of the faculty along with eight support staff.
While in the state, the team he said, would visit some sites including the Obajana Cement Industry, the Ajaokuta Steel Industry and hosts of others which are very key to the study tour.
Even as he pointed out that the idea is to have a comprehensive study of the solid mineral sector so they could advise, not just the state, but the Federal Government to focus on addressing some of the challenges facing the sector in the state.
Prof. Ahmed said the reports of the tour would be presented to the NDC community on the 18th of November, 2025.
In her address, the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Mrs. Folashade Ayoade had advocated for 13 percent derivation for states with solid minerals.
She equally highlighted the need for a review of the ownership of the mineral resources, stressing that when this is done, Kogi State would be a key stakeholder of the nations prosperity.
In his remarks, Kogi State Deputy Governor, Comr. Joel Salifu, acknowledged that the study theme , focusing on enhancing national security and sustainable development could not have come at a better time as it’s aligns perfectly with Governor Ododo’s administration’s strategic priorities of peace, security and inclusive growth.
Governor Ododo disclosed that his administration considered the tour a valuable opportunity to share experiences and also to learn from the depth of expertise represented by the college emphasing that Kogi State stands as a microsoism of Nigeria, diverse, strategic, and rich in potential and as such, the lesson drawn from the state could inform broader national strategies.
He pointed out that since assumption of office, his administration has worked tirelessly to consolidate the security architecture inherited from his predecessor
In addition, he said the state government has also strengthened collaboration with security agencies, empowered community policing structure and leveraged technology to monitor flashpoints across it borders with nine neighbouring states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
These efforts, the governor stated have yielded remarkable progress in safeguarding lives, protecting investments, and ensuring the free movement of people and goods across the state.
He then used the occasion to commend the leadership of the NDC for continuously shaping the minds that drive national security and policy direction .
Ododo also urged the participants to engage deeply, observe critically, and leave kogi State with a richer understanding of the dynamics between governance, security, and development at the state level.
