Teamwork, Fitness Take Centre Stage as NDC Course 34 Holds Graduation Sports Fiesta

The National Defence College (NDC), Abuja, has held its Course 34 Graduation Sports Fiesta at the Aguiyi Ironsi Sports Complex, bringing together participants, senior military officers, staff, alumni and other dignitaries in a celebration of sportsmanship, teamwork and military camaraderie.

The event featured a series of sporting competitions designed to complement the rigorous 11-month academic programme undertaken by participants of Course 34 and to reinforce the values of discipline, resilience, teamwork and strategic leadership.

The Special Guest of Honour, Air Vice Marshal Precious Amadi, Chief of Operations, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, commended the participants for their discipline, teamwork and athletic performance throughout the competition.

Speaking at the event, AVM Amadi said the Sports Fiesta provided an opportunity not only to celebrate the successful completion of the demanding academic programme but also to strengthen the enduring values that define strategic leadership.

“This event has provided an excellent opportunity to celebrate not only the successful completion of a demanding 11-month academic programme, but also the enduring values of teamwork, discipline, resilience and sportsmanship that define strategic excellence and leadership,” he said.

He noted that the determination, healthy rivalry, teamwork and mutual respect displayed during the competitions reflected the leadership attributes the NDC seeks to instil in its participants.

AVM Amadi also commended the Commandant, Rear Admiral A. Ahmed S. Ahmed, and the entire NDC community for organising the successful event, stressing that physical fitness, mental resilience and emotional balance remain indispensable complements to intellectual excellence in preparing strategic leaders for higher responsibilities.

He urged the Course 34 participants, who are expected to graduate on August 28, 2026, to carry forward the lessons, friendships and spirit of collaboration developed during their time at the College.

According to him, the relationships and experiences gained at the NDC would remain invaluable throughout their careers in the Armed Forces of Nigeria, other Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as in national service.

The Special Guest of Honour further described sporting activities as an important platform for promoting physical fitness, unity, mutual understanding and esprit de corps within the Armed Forces and the wider national security community.

“There is no winner, actually, because this is an event where we want to collaborate, celebrate and be happy,” he said, encouraging all participants to take pride in their involvement and perseverance.

Athletes competed in several sporting events, including Lawn Tennis, Volleyball, Basketball, Table Tennis and Badminton.

The main football encounter featured male participants of NDC Course 34 against the NDC Staff team in a competitive display of strategy, stamina and teamwork.

The crowd’s excitement reached its peak during the Tug-of-War competition, which featured a spirited contest between the National Defence College Officers’ Wives Association and the NDC Staff, with support from members of the National Youth Service Corps.

Following the competitions, dignitaries and spectators gathered at the main pavilion for the presentation of trophies and medals to winning teams and outstanding athletes

Earlier, the Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC), Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, said the 2026 Course 34 Graduation Sports Fiesta was organised to celebrate the successful completion of the demanding 11-month academic programme by the participants while reinforcing the values of teamwork, discipline, resilience and healthy competition. 

He noted that the event, featuring football, volleyball, lawn tennis, table tennis, badminton and tug-of-war, had become an important tradition of the College, providing opportunities for relaxation, friendship, esprit de corps and the strengthening of bonds forged throughout the course.

Rear Admiral Ahmed added that the NDC’s approach to strategic leadership development goes beyond intellectual excellence to include physical fitness, mental resilience and emotional balance. 

He congratulated the Course 34 participants on reaching the significant milestone, urging them to enjoy the sports fiesta as they prepare for graduation and the next phase of their professional careers. 

The Commandant reaffirmed his commitment to promoting physical fitness, sportsmanship and the overall well-being of the NDC community, while encouraging all competitors to uphold fairness, mutual respect and the true spirit of sportsmanship. 

Delivering the vote of thanks, the NDC College Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Ernest Eko Owai, expressed appreciation to the Special Guest of Honour, invited guests, participants, coaches, officials, members of the organising committee and administrative staff for their contributions to the success of the event.

He congratulated the Course 34 participants for demonstrating discipline, determination, teamwork and the true spirit of sportsmanship, noting that such qualities are essential both in military leadership and national service.

“As you celebrate your accomplishments and reflect on the lessons from every contest, continue to remember that teamwork multiplies success, while integrity remains the hallmark of leadership,” AVM Owai said.

He also appreciated the National Defence College Officers’ Wives Association for its support and presence at the event.

The Sports Fiesta formed part of activities marking the graduation of Course 34, with the College Secretary inviting guests to the graduation ceremony scheduled for Friday, August 28, 2026.

Dignitaries at the event included the Coordinator of the National Defence College Officers’ Wives Association, Hajiya Hawa Ahmed; the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies; the College Secretary; the Provost, Centre for Strategic Research and Studies; the Director of Sports, Defence Headquarters; senior officers; Directors; Directing Staff; NDC alumni; and participants of Course 34.