The National Defence College (NDC) has organised a shooting tournament for the graduating Course 34 participants to test and boost their marksmanship skills and foster team spirit.
The shooting competition, which is the first of its kind in the history of the college, took place at the Moshood Abiola Stadium on Saturday in Abuja.
The tournament featured a 50m rifle section and a 25m pistol section.
In his remarks, the NDC commandant, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, said that the college does not only focus on academic activities and excellence but also physical fitness and mental well-being.
“Shooting is a sport that demands discipline, concentration, precision, and harmony between the mind and body, reflecting the very qualities we seek to cultivate in strategic leaders.
“Beyond the competition itself, today provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen comradery, renew friendships, and deepen the professional bond forged over the past 10 months among the participants,” the commandant said.
Ahmed encouraged the Course 34 participants to set aside the rigorous and demanding academic programme, relax, compete in the true spirit of sportsmanship and enjoy the memorable occasion.
He reiterated his commitment to promoting the physical well-being of the entire college community through regular sporting activities.
He said that such events not only provided opportunities for healthy recreation but also an avenue for interaction, teamwork and enduring friendship.
“It is, therefore, my hope that today’s competition will be remembered not only for the fun of it, but also for the friendship strengthened and the enjoyable moments shared,” he said.
Also, the Chief of Defence Administration, Defence Headquarters, Rear Adm. Gideon Kashim, pointed out that the skills required for shooting could also be applied in daily life.
“Shooting is more than a sporting activity, it is a discipline that demands concentration, patience, precision and sound judgment – qualities that are indispensable in strategic leadership and decision making.
“Every shot reminds us that success is achieved through preparation, focus and the willingness to make timely adjustments whenever circumstances demand”, he said.
Kashim said that the competition embodied teamwork and friendship, which were the qualities that the NDC sought to cultivate among the participants.
He also said that the professional relationships established during the course would undoubtedly remain valuable throughout their careers and would continue to strengthen collaboration in advancing national security and developmental objectives.
He lauded the college commandant for his visionary leadership in introducing the shooting competition as part of the graduating activities.
He said the establishment of the tournament was commendable and a befitting initiative that complemented the college’s commitment to developing well-rounded strategic leaders.
Kashim also congratulated the Course 34 participants on their graduation and commended them for the dedication, discipline and resilience they demonstrated throughout the course.
“As you look forward to graduation and the responsibilities that lie ahead, I encourage you to continue exemplifying the professionalism, integrity, and strategic outlook that the NDC has instilled in you,” he said.