By BASHIR ADEFAKA
The Ambassador Okafor-led Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) and Air Commodore Abdullahi-led Association of National Defence College (AANDEC) have reached a new stage in the affairs of both groups where, by joint effort, they intend to achieve a stronger national voice.
This was the outcome of the meeting the duo, which happened during a courtesy visit by President of AANI Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor, to the President of AANDEC, Air Commodore Darlington Abdullahi (Rtd) in Abuja, on Tuesday, according to a statement signed and sent to The DEFENDER.
A cross section of both AANI and AANDEC officials during AANI President’s courtesy call on his AANDEC counterpart in Abuja on Tuesday August 22, 2023.
“In an unprecedented display of unity and shared purpose, today (Tuesday August 22, 2023) marked a momentous occasion as the esteemed leadership of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), led by its National President, Ambassador EO Okafor mni, paid a courtesy visit to the President of the Association of National Defence College (AANDEC), Air Commodore Darlington Abdullahi (rtd), in his office at national headquarters of AANDEC, in Abuja.
A group photograph during a courtesy visit of President of AANI to his AANDEC counterpart in Abuja on Tuesday August 22, 2023.
“With an unwavering commitment to collaboration, the AANI President articulated the purpose of the visit as one of establishing connections and understanding.
“Recognising the profound commonalities between AANI and AANDEC, he underscored the necessity to solidify this partnership, enabling them to harmonise their efforts towards matters of national significance, ultimately speaking as a unified voice on issues of mutual concern.
“A genuine appeal for continued support and collaboration echoed through his words, urging AANDEC’s active participation in upcoming AANI events,” the statement said.
In response, according the statement, the President of AANDEC expressed heartfelt gratitude for AANI’s visit, highlighting the enduring relationship that both associations have nurtured.
Emphasising the imperative to elevate and sustain this connection, he expounded on the history, objectives, and vision of AANDEC, underlining their shared commitment to national development.
“Together, these two distinguished alum associations have embarked on a transformative journey of cooperation, standing united to amplify their collective voice and contribute significantly to the nation’s progress,” said the statement by Brigadier General SK Usman (Rtd) mni fnipr fapra fnarc FIORM fspsp, Sarkin Yakin Kanwan Katsina and AANI National Publicity Secretary and dated Tuesday 22, August 2023.
Present at the occasion were some members of AANDEC’s National Executive Committee members, including Vice President Group Captain Peter Bilal (rtd), Navy Captain TJ Ayerite (Rtd), National Secretary, Brigadier General Ugwu Chima (rtd), Financial Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Dalhat Ladan, Auditor, Captain (NN) AC Udeagwu (Rtd), Treasurer, and Commodore MA Wabi, National Publicity Secretary.
Accompanying AANI President in his entourage were Alhaji Abubakar Ismail Isah mni, Secretary-General, Alhaji Samaila Umar Sifawa mni, National Treasurer, Dr Kayode Moses Babatunde mni, Assistant Secretary General, Dr (Mrs) Favour Ugwunayi mni, Social and Welfare Secretary, Mrs Maryamu Laka Madami mni, Financial Secretary, Brigadier General SK Usman (Rtd) mni, National Publicity Secretary, and Alhaji Nasir Ladan mni, Director of Administration at AANI National Secretariat.
The visit was further marked by the exchange of souvenirs, publication and a group photograph.
