President Bola Tinubu has pledged to exercise his constitutional powers to ensure that the Nigerian military is well-equipped, armed, and empowered to safeguard the nation’s security.
This vow was made during the graduation ceremony of Course 32 participants at the National Defence College in Abuja on Friday, where the President was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
In his address, Tinubu emphasized the importance of strategic leadership in tackling Nigeria’s complex security and development challenges. He acknowledged the sacrifices and achievements of the Armed Forces in protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and securing the lives and properties of its citizens.
“I will continue to do everything within my constitutional powers to ensure that the Nigerian military is well-resourced and fit for purpose,” he said.
Tinubu also highlighted his administration’s commitment to completing ongoing work and upgrading facilities at the National Defence College’s permanent site in Piwoyi, Abuja, noting that while substantial progress has been made, there is still more to be done.
He praised the unique approach of the National Defence College in consolidating knowledge through broad thematic areas, which he said has been instrumental in finding sustainable solutions to national security and development challenges in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.
The President also addressed significant progress made by his administration, including the implementation of the new national minimum wage, which will benefit both civilian workers and personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies.
He reaffirmed his commitment to curbing crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta, tasks he has entrusted to the Defence Headquarters and other security agencies to achieve economic stability through increased oil and gas production.
Tinubu lauded the graduates of Course 32 for their contributions to his research on harnessing Nigeria’s mining industry for national security and development.
“We are already working with the fundamentals of your recommendations as we look forward to actualising our golden era scenario with substantial security assets supported by robust collaboration and institutional reforms,” he added.
He urged the graduates to uphold the values of excellence, courage, patriotism, and integrity, using their newly acquired knowledge and skills to address Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges.
The Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, commended the 111 graduates, including 19 international participants from countries such as India, Brazil, South Africa, and Ghana, for their efforts in bolstering Nigeria’s strategic leadership across various sectors.
The ceremony was attended by several high-profile figures, including the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru; Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, among others.