By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has underscored the importance of cultural diplomacy, international understanding, and strategic cooperation in fostering global peace and development.
Speaking at the International Day and Cuisine event organized by Course 34 of the National Defence College (NDC) in Abuja, the Minister, who was represented by the Director of Administration of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Fellow of the College, Ambassador Bukar Kalambe, described the occasion as a celebration of diversity, friendship, mutual respect, and international understanding.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye commended the Commandant, Directing Staff, and participants of Course 34 for sustaining what he described as one of the most colourful and anticipated events in the College’s calendar.
According to him, the International Day and Cuisine goes beyond a cultural exhibition, serving as a platform for strengthening bonds among nations and promoting people-to-people diplomacy.
The Minister recalled his association with the College, having served as Director of the National and Geo-Political Affairs Department between 2019 and 2023 while also serving as Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and International Relations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He noted that the experience enabled him to interact closely with participants from Nigeria and several friendly nations while contributing to the strategic development of future leaders.
He expressed satisfaction that recommendations he made during his time at the College—including expanding participation to the wider diplomatic community in Nigeria and holding the event on Saturdays to encourage broader attendance—have been successfully implemented.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye described the National Defence College as one of Nigeria’s foremost strategic institutions, renowned for preparing senior military officers, diplomats, intelligence personnel, public servants, and other strategic leaders to address contemporary governance, defence, and security challenges.
He noted that the College’s contributions extend beyond academic instruction, providing participants with the strategic outlook, analytical skills, and leadership capacity required to navigate an increasingly interconnected global environment.
The Minister also highlighted the significance of the participation of foreign officers and officials in the College’s programmes, saying their presence reflects the confidence of friendly nations in the institution and strengthens international cooperation.
He stated that friendships and professional networks established within the College often evolve into valuable channels for diplomatic, military, defence, and strategic collaboration among nations.
Speaking on the relevance of the International Day and Cuisine, Ambassador Enikanolaiye said the event offers participants the opportunity to showcase their cultures, traditions, and national heritage while celebrating shared values that unite humanity.
He emphasized that culture remains one of the most effective instruments of diplomacy, noting that cultural exchanges such as traditional cuisine, music, attire, and performances often foster goodwill and understanding more effectively than formal engagements.
According to him, such interactions serve as important tools of soft power diplomacy by promoting enduring friendship, mutual respect, and collaboration among nations.
The Minister further observed that in an era marked by security, political, and economic uncertainties, events like the International Day and Cuisine serve as reminders that lasting peace and cooperation are built on mutual understanding and respect.
He expressed appreciation to the international participants of Course 34 for their confidence in the National Defence College and for enriching the learning experience through their diverse perspectives.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye encouraged all participants to sustain the relationships and professional networks established during their time at the College, noting that such connections would prove invaluable in addressing future regional and global challenges.
He concluded by commending the Commandant, Directing Staff, and participants of Course 34 for organizing the event and expressed hope that the spirit of cooperation, friendship, and international understanding demonstrated during the occasion would continue to flourish throughout their careers.
