Wednesday, October 1^st 2025 In line with RDFCSC tradition, the college hosted refreshments for the entire college community to celebrate the 65th Independence Day of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The event was attended by Col E ZULU head of delegation from Zambia Defence Services Command and Staff College (ZDSCSC) and his group that were in Rwanda for a study tour, faculty, staff members of the College, and students of SCSC 14.

Independence Day, commonly referred to as “October First,” is an official national holiday in Nigeria, observed on October 1. It commemorates the day Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960.

On October 1, 1960, Nigeria achieved its long-awaited independence, marking a historic milestone in the nation’s journey toward freedom, self-governance, and sovereignty. Since then, Nigeria has made remarkable progress in areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development, establishing itself as a leading force within Africa. Nigeria today is a land of vibrant diversity that is home to over 200 million people with over 250 ethnic groups, and an unbreakable spirit of resilience.

In keeping with college tradition, the national anthem of Nigeria was played.

On behalf of the rest of the Nigerian contingent currently at the College, composed of Sqn Ldr Yusuf Yakubu AMBI and Sqn Ldr Levi Tobenna MAKATA students, addressed the gathering and said: “It is a profound honor and privilege to stand before you today as we gather to mark a day of great significance to my beloved nation, the Federal Republic of Nigeria. On 1^st Oct 1960, Nigeria emerged from the shadows of colonial rule and claimed her rightful place among the family of free nations. The RDFCSC plays a pivotal role in shaping leaders who understand not only the tactics of warfare but also the strategic importance of peace. Your work here directly contributes to making Africa safer, stronger, and more united. On behalf of my colleague Sqn Ldr Makata, I wish to extend our sincere appreciation to the Commandant and the entire leadership of this prestigious college for providing a platform where officers from across the continent and beyond come together to learn, and share ideas for a brighter future. This institution symbolizes the very spirit of unity, discipline, and mutual respect that Africa so deeply needs. He concluded by thanking the fellow officers and students for the warm welcome and the commitment to building a future of peace and security. To the fellow Nigerians, wherever you may be we say Happy Independence Day!”

Brig Gen JC Ngendahimana, the Deputy Commandant of the college & CI, highlighted in his remarks on behalf of the Commandant during the ceremony said, “it is with great pleasure that I delight with you all as we join our comrades, Sqn Ldr Yusuf Yakubu AMBI and Sqn Ldr Levi Tobenna MAKATA, in celebrating the Independence Day of their nation, the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In a spirit of camaraderie and shared purpose, I extend our warmest congratulations: Happy Independence Day to the great people of Nigeria, and to you, Sqn Ldr Yusuf Yakubu AMBI and Sqn Ldr Levi Tobenna MAKATA, in particular. Celebrating the independence days of our cherished Directing Staff and Allied Students is a custom we hold essential to honor these significant national milestones and the ideals of freedom, unity, and progress they embody in this college. Nigeria and Rwanda share a commitment to regional stability and prosperity, with cooperation in defence and security being a vital component of our relationship. We are therefore proud to host and to contribute to your professional growth through our training programs. This engagement fortifies the ties between our nations and our armed forces. Once again congratulations to our Nigeria brothers on this proud day. Happy Independence day!”

Group photo.