Emir Gwandu lauds Defence College on interest in agriculture, stability

From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi

Emir of Gwandu Emirate and Chairman Council of Chiefs in Kebbi State, Alhaji Muhammad Iliyasu Bashar, has commended the National Defence College for its commitment to the nation’s stability, peace and interest in agriculture development.

He stated this during the courtesy visit of Course 34 of the College, led by the team leader, Air Commodore Abidemi-Adebayo Abu, to his palace in Birnin Kebbi.

Bashar noted that their coming to Kebbi State would give them the opportunity to have first hand information and correct facts about the state which would enable them to properly inform their colleagues.

“The college is the highest institution in the Military. That is the main reason when training is ongoing, every nation sends in their representatives to participate in the training.

“In the first place, what are the roles of the soldiers? They are to ensure the country is safe and ensure the government is secured. It is very important that we all appreciate our soldiers and respect them.

“We welcome you to Kebbi State and some of you are in this state for the first time. I want you to observe what you have seen so that when you go back, you will be in a good position to tell your colleagues the right things about what you have seen and what you have gained from your tour in Kebbi,” the monarch said.

The Emir commended the team composed of Army, Navy, Police, participants from Benin Republic and Republic of Tanzania, and also applauded them for including a woman in the team.

In his remarks, the Course 34 Team Leader, Commodore Abidemi-Adebayo Abu, expressed satisfaction with the agricultural revolution in Kebbi state, describing the state as a hub for rice production in Nigeria.

Abu, who stated this while speaking with newsmen shortly after the visit, said: “there is a part of the curriculum that deals with state and sociopolitical environment and part of this module is a tour to states across the country.

“As we speak, the College is visiting Kogi, Gombe, Ogun, Abia states. The theme of the visit is optimising agro-industrial capacity as a strategic approach to strengthen national development and security.”