Emmanuel Daudu
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru has urged the National Defence College (NDC) Course 32 graduands to advance the tenets of democracy, emphasizing its importance as a pathway to Africa’s unity and development.
During the graduation lecture, themed “Democracy Beyond the Ballot Box: A Pathway to Africa’s Unity and Development,” the Minister underscored that democracy’s value in Africa extends far beyond electoral processes.
Badaru stressed the significance of inclusive governance, where citizens are actively engaged in decision-making throughout the entire electoral cycle.
“Democracy in Africa holds great virtues that extend far beyond the mere act of voting in an election,” the Minister stated.
He highlighted the importance of transparency and inclusivity in fostering trust in institutions and creating a cohesive society driven by shared goals and collective responsibility.
The Minister also praised regional bodies like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) for their role in promoting democratic governance across the continent.
He noted that these institutions are crucial 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.
According to him, this regional cohesion, driven by democratic values, can enhance collective problem-solving and drive development efforts more effectively.
The Minister called on the graduating participants to apply the strategic knowledge they acquired during their course 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,” the Minister urged.
The event was graced by the presence of the former President of the Republic of Tanzania,
H. E. Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, who served as the guest speaker.
The Minister further expressed optimism that democracy would continue to catalyze unity and development across Africa, emphasizing 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,” the Minister implored.
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