The Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) on Saturday celebrated cultural diversity among participants of its Course 10/2026, calling for stronger international cooperation and enhanced operational effectiveness among officers. 

The event, known as International Day, brought participants from different countries together to showcase their heritage, traditions, and values through artefacts, attire, music, and cuisine.

Speaking as the special guest of honour, Chief of Logistics (Army) Maj.-Gen. Adekunle Adeyinka said the celebration reflected unity, friendship, and mutual respect among nations, not just a ceremony.

Mr Adeyinka noted that cultural diversity was critical to modern military operations, especially amid transnational threats and multinational engagements.

“This celebration showcases what connects our shared humanity—expressed through culture, identity, and heritage,” he said.

He explained that the artefacts, attire, music, and cuisine on display represented the histories, values, and aspirations of participating nations and served as tools for building trust and cooperation.

“Understanding cultural diversity is no longer optional for officers operating in joint and multinational environments. It is essential,” he said.

Mr Adeyinka commended the college’s commandant and staff for fostering international collaboration and creating a platform that promotes cultural intelligence and professional networking.

“To our allied participants, your presence here reflects your nations’ confidence in the Army War College Nigeria as a centre of excellence,” he said.

He urged participants to embrace diversity and carry the spirit of unity into future commands and operations, and congratulated the college and participants for their creativity and commitment.

A pioneer member of the college’s directing staff, Mr Adeyinka said he was pleased with the institution’s growth and impact, describing it as a strategic platform for developing future military leaders.

College Commandant Maj.-Gen. Umar Alkali described the event as a key component of the curriculum designed to broaden cultural and intellectual understanding.

He said the International Day provided a platform for participants to showcase their heritage, while promoting mutual understanding and cooperation among officers from different nations.

Mr Alkali thanked distinguished guests for attending, noting that their presence added value and prestige to the occasion.

“The event strengthens friendship, respect, and collaboration among participants—values essential to contemporary military operations,” he said.

He stressed that cultural awareness was critical to success in joint, inter-agency, and multinational operations, and commended participants for presentations that reflected pride in their national identities.

Mr Alkali reaffirmed the college’s commitment to producing well-trained, strategically minded leaders capable of addressing contemporary security challenges.

He also thanked the Chief of Army Staff and Chairman of the Governing Board, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for his continued support and guidance, and wished all guests a rewarding celebration. 

(NAN)