International Day and Cuisine Strengthens Global Ties at National Defence College
Oru Leonard
ABUJA – The Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has underscored the importance of cultural diplomacy, international understanding and strategic partnerships in promoting global peace and cooperation.
The minister made the assertion in remarks delivered on his behalf by the Director of Administration in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Fellow of the National Defence College, Ambassador Bukar Kalambe, during the International Day and Cuisine programme organised for participants of National Defence College Course 34 in Abuja.
Describing the event as more than a cultural exhibition, Enikanolaiye said it represents a celebration of diversity, friendship, mutual respect and international understanding among nations.
He commended the Commandant, directing staff and participants of Course 34 for sustaining what he described as one of the most colourful and highly anticipated events on the College’s calendar.
Reflecting on his previous service at the institution between 2019 and 2023, when he served as Director of the National and Geo-Political Affairs Department, the minister recalled his efforts to broaden participation in the event by involving the entire diplomatic community in Nigeria and moving the programme to Saturdays to encourage wider engagement.
According to him, the National Defence College remains one of Nigeria’s foremost strategic institutions, renowned for preparing senior military officers, diplomats, intelligence personnel and public servants for the realities of modern governance, defence and security management.
He noted that the institution’s contributions extend beyond academic instruction, providing participants with strategic insight, analytical skills and leadership capabilities necessary for navigating an increasingly interconnected and complex world.
The minister also highlighted the significance of international participants at the College, saying their presence reflects the confidence friendly nations continue to place in the institution while fostering enduring diplomatic and strategic relationships.
Speaking on the relevance of the International Day and Cuisine,
Enikanolaiye said the programme offers participants a unique platform to showcase their national heritage, traditions and customs, while strengthening bonds among people from diverse backgrounds.
He stressed that culture remains one of the most effective instruments of diplomacy, capable of building goodwill and understanding beyond the reach of formal government engagements.
“A shared meal, traditional music, national attire or cultural performance can often foster goodwill and understanding in ways that formal engagements cannot,” he stated,
describing cultural exchanges as a powerful tool of soft power diplomacy.
The minister further observed that at a time when the world faces growing security, political and economic challenges, cultural and people-to-people engagements remain critical to building lasting peace and cooperation.
He expressed appreciation to the international participants of Course 34 for their confidence in the National Defence College and encouraged all participants to sustain the professional and personal networks established during the programme.
Enikanolaiye concluded by urging participants to continue promoting cooperation, mutual respect and international understanding throughout their careers, while commending the College leadership and Course 34 participants for organising a successful event.
The International Day and Cuisine is an annual programme designed to showcase the rich cultural diversity of participating countries and strengthen relationships among military officers, diplomats and strategic leaders from Nigeria and across the world.
