PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has commended the National Defence College (NDC) for offering excellent training on security and strategic courses, suggesting for the programmes to include topics on reconciliation, resilience, reforms and rebuilding.
The president was of the view that effective dissemination of the 4Rs philosophy among government leaders and all Tanzanians is key in maintaining peace, security, democracy and sustainable development.
She also called for the NDC to expand its depth of coverage, by involving more leaders at the regional and district levels.
President Samia, who is also the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, also accepted the request by the Chief of Defence Forced (CDF) General Jacob Mkunda of revamping the War College.
Speaking yesterday during the commemoration of the 10th NDC anniversary, President Samia assured of the government’s commitment to providing all the support needed by the security and defence forces in ensuring the country is safe in all aspects, all the time.
She said, apart from revamping the war college, there is a need for provision of training for battling other wars in the aspects of economy as well as the Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
“Apart from the military war, we have to face the fight on ICT and economic development, these aspects are so important for the college to work on,” she emphasised.
The president also asked the NDC to consider increasing the number of women leaders into their training, since they are capable of performing better in their studies and various posts they are serving.
“The security and strategic courses provided in this college are very crucial for people who can think strategically for the better interest of the country,” she noted, instructing the college to increase the number of trainees in multiple sectors.
“As we are opening up the country, there is a need to have more strategic thinkers, who can project the comings from the current trend, this will enable the country in making proper decisions,” added President Samia.
She said it is crucial to ensure the initiatives to open up the country do not, in any way, pose a threat to national security.
The president also called for public institutions to attend the long-term courses at the college for effective implementation of development goals in the respective entities, asking the NDC to keep a database of all public officials who have received training, in order that they can be considered to be placed in the positions that they fit better.
During the event, President Samia received the honorary award for her contributions and efforts in supporting the college’s prosperity.
Earlier, former President Jakaya Kikwete said the NDC has enabled the country to have a good number of officers, who are attending the training compared to the past.
He said, in the past, the training was accessed abroad with a limited number of trainees.
“But despite having this college, it’s crucial to continue sending our members of the army abroad in training, as part of maintaining the exchange programmes between Tanzania and other countries,” he said.
For their part, the Minister for Defence and National Service Dr Stergomena Tax and Chief of Defence Forces General Jacob Mkunda mentioned a number of initiatives that have been taken to improve infrastructures and facilities in the army.
They also commended the government of China for its support on infrastructural projects of the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF).
“China has supported the TPDF in constructing the NDC, the Tanzania Military Academy (TMA), construction of a modern military training centre in Mapinga, Ngerengere Air force base and the navy command,” said Minister Tax.
The NDC’s Commandant Major General Ibrahim Mhona mentioned some of the milestones attained by NDC, where about 435 officers from security organs and public servants have for the past ten years graduated from college in diploma and master’s degree programmes in security and strategic studies.
According to Maj Gen Mahona, so far at least 574 officers have attended the capstone courses at the college.
Apart from President Samia, NDC also presented certificates of recognition and appreciation to other government officials and former leaders who played a role in the sustainability of the college in the past 10 years.
The list has Dr Kikwete, the late fifth phase President Dr John Magufuli, Zanzibar President Hussein Mwinyi and former Zanzibar President Dr Ali Mohamed Shein.
Other recipients were former Chief Secretary Amb (rt) Ombeni Sefue, former CDFs Davis Mwamunyange and Venance Mabeyo, Lt Gen (rt) Charles Makakala, Amb Lt Gen Yakubu Mohammed, Amb Maj Gen Jacob Kingu and Lt Gen (rt) Paul Masao.
Comments are closed.