Hon. Ziphion Makes History as First State Government Official to Graduate from National Defence College
Ahiaba Douglas – Abuja
In a groundbreaking achievement that has etched his name in Nigerian history, Hon. Ziphion Terkop Chrysanthus has become the first and only state government functionary to graduate from the prestigious National Defence College (NDC), Abuja. His trailblazing feat marks a new chapter in the institution’s long-standing tradition.
The National Defence College is Nigeria’s apex military training institution for senior officers of the Armed Forces and is globally recognized as a Centre of Excellence in strategic-level training for peace support operations. While it has long admitted personnel from the military, paramilitary organizations, federal ministries, and agencies, no state government official had ever been admitted—let alone graduated—until now.
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At the graduation ceremony of Course 33, held on August 22, 2025, Hon. Ziphion not only completed the rigorous academic and strategic training but distinguished himself with exceptional performance, setting a new standard for state-level participation in national and global security discourse.
A proud son of Plateau State, Chrysanthus currently serves as Liaison Director for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and Security Agencies in the Plateau State Government. Beyond his official duties, he is widely respected as a philanthropist, community leader, and founder of the Ziphion Chrysanthus Foundation, a non-profit organization renowned for its work in healthcare outreach, education support, youth empowerment, and humanitarian interventions across underserved communities.
To commemorate the historic milestone, Hon. Ziphion hosted a celebratory reception at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, attended by dignitaries, family, friends, and well-wishers who paid glowing tributes to his resilience, excellence, and service to humanity.
In his remarks, Hon. Ziphion expressed profound gratitude to Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, for his support throughout the journey, as well as to all individuals and institutions who played vital roles in his success.
> “This experience has transformed me into a better version of myself. The quality and intellectual depth of the NDC curriculum are unmatched. I am now better equipped to contribute not only to security and strategic policy-making but also to governance, economic development, and societal progress,” he affirmed.
With this historic accomplishment, Hon. Ziphion has set a precedent for future state-level leaders to embrace advanced strategic training, bridging the gap between governance and national security in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
