By SUMAILA OGBAJE

A Nigerian Navy officer, Navy Capt. Abidemi Akano, has been named the best graduating student of the Security and Defence Studies Programme 11/25 at the South African National Defence College.

This was obtained from the Facebook page of the South African National Defence Force via https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Jd14ezBJN, by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday.

Capt. Akano, who graduated on Nov. 12, outshone officers from several countries to clinch the top honours.

He becomes only the second non–South African to win the overall best student award since the programme’s inception, following in the footsteps of Navy Capt. Obute, another Nigerian officer, who earned the accolade in 2022.

Speaking on the achievement, defence analysts said Capt. Akano’s recognition further highlights the professionalism and international competitiveness of Nigerian military officers.

The Nigerian Navy has congratulated Capt. Akano on the feat, describing it as a testament to the country’s commitment to military excellence and global collaboration.

The course, which began on Jan. 13, had participants from India, Nigeria, and other international defence forces, highlighting the programme’s regional and global engagement.

In his address, the Chief of SA Defence Forces, Gen. Rudzani Maphwanya, praised the graduates for their dedication and professionalism, emphasising the value of continuous learning in navigating evolving security challenges.

“Our duty as soldiers is clear, we must maintain the sovereignty of our respective countries, ensure a sound national security grounding, understand diplomacy, law, and heightened cooperation amongst nations.

“It is also to advocate against guns and structural adjustment programmes speaking louder than collective agreements between nations”, he said.

The ceremony marked the culmination of a rigorous academic year, highlighting the SA National Defence Force College’s role in developing capable leaders committed to protecting South Africa’s sovereignty and promoting peace and stability in the region. (NAN)