Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo has commended the Nigerian Army for its contributions to national unity and security.

Mr Uzodimma gave the commendation on Thursday when he received participants of Course 33 of the National Defence College at the Government House in Owerri.

The governor, who was represented by the commissioner for tourism, hospitality and culture, Jerry Egemba, underscored the importance of collaboration between government and security institutions.

“I’m aware that you stand strategically at the centre of not just the unity of Nigeria but the defence architecture of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We have felt your impact, not just with your visit to Imo today, but with the impact in the peace and security Imo enjoys today,” Mr Uzodimma said.

Earlier, the team leader of the college’s study tour to the state, Brig.-Gen. Kabiru Sidi said the tour aimed to study the dynamics of the various states of the country.

Mr Sidi said that for the 2024 course, the college selected five states, which he listed as Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Plateau, Imo, and Sokoto, for the tour.

He said  that the theme for the 2024  course is “Strengthening Institutions for National Security and Development in Nigeria.”

“Each team is sent out to different states with a topic to research on. At the end, they file reports back to the headquarters and as well make recommendations to state governments for implementation,” he noted.

He described the Nigeria Defence College as a strategic level training institution” and the final level of training that any person will receive in their career.”

“It is the apex institution in the Nigerian Armed Forces, and therefore, nothing is left unturned because it teaches strategy and policy making.

“It also sharpens the analytical skills of participants so that at the end of the day, when they depart the college, they will become assets to every nation that they come from,” he added.

The National Defence College is the apex military training institution in Nigeria, established in 1992 to train senior military officers.

Its key objectives include analysing the socio-economic and political environment’s impact on national security and development as well as preparing officers for strategic-level responsibilities.

Various papers were presented during the visit.

(NAN)