Nigerian Army Resource Centre Marks 10th Anniversary With Grand Celebration In Abuja

Nigerian Army Resource Centre Marks 10th Anniversary With Grand Celebration In Abuja

The Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, marked its 10th Anniversary with a grand ceremony at Hall C, TY Buratai Block, Asokoro, Abuja. The event, themed “NARC @ 10: Harnessing Knowledge for National Security,” celebrated a decade of the Centre’s transformation into a premier think tank and strategic knowledge hub for the Nigerian Army, sister services, security agencies and national institutions.

The Special Guest of Honour, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, represented by the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General IM Abdullahi, urged the Centre not to relent in its pursuit of excellence. He paid tribute to the founding father of NARC, former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TY Buratai CFR, whose visionary leadership established the Centre in 2015, and commended subsequent Chiefs of Army Staff for sustaining and strengthening its mandate. He noted that NARC has remained a beacon of knowledge, rigorous research and strategic insights that continue to enrich Nigeria’s national security framework and human capital development.

He further expressed appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for his strategic guidance and support to the Nigerian Army, assuring him of the Army’s firm and loyal commitment.

In his welcome remarks, the Director General, Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Major General James Gwaza Khalifa Myam (rtd) OFR, welcomed all stakeholders and guests. He eulogised Lieutenant General TY Buratai (rtd) CFR for his foresight in conceptualising and establishing NARC, describing the Centre as a pioneering institution that has, over the past decade, distinguished itself in defence research, strategic studies and human capital development. He highlighted NARC’s extensive publications on terrorism, Niger Delta issues, religious and ethnic conflicts, defence and national security, as well as its postgraduate programmes and specialised capacity-building courses for the military, paramilitary, MDAs and corporate organisations.

General Myam also expressed gratitude to members of the Board of Trustees for their strategic oversight and paid special tribute to former Minister of Defence, General Mansur Muhammad Dan Ali CFR, who commissioned the Centre on behalf of former President Muhammadu Buhari of blessed memory.

The Guest Speaker, General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd) CFR, delivered a thought-provoking lecture titled “Knowledge, Power and National Security in the 21st Century: The Nigerian Perspective.”

Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the DG and Management, Executive Director NARC Consult, Major General AOD Okoro, expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God for the milestone. He appreciated the Chief of Army Staff for his continued support and acknowledged the Chief of Defence Staff, General OO Oluyede AFM, the immediate past Chairman, Board of Trustees, for his visionary leadership. He also thanked the past BOT Chairmen, Board members, partners, stakeholders, the media and staff.

The celebration also featured the launch of the Centre’s Journal and the recognition of outstanding and long-serving staff. Additionally, pioneer and former Chairmen of the Board of Trustees, pioneer and former Directors General, the Executive Director Consult, and Directors of Research were specially honoured for their foundational roles and contributions to the Centre’s growth.

Present at the ceremony were several eminent personalities, including seasoned diplomat and Board of Trustees member Ambassador Babagana Kingibe GCON, Lieutenant General TY Buratai CFR, Lieutenant General F Yahaya CFR, representatives of the COAS and CDS, senior military officers (serving and retired), and representatives of security agencies. Also in attendance were members and Fellows of the Centre from across the country, members of the academia, partners and friends of the Centre, among others.