President Bola Tinubu has urged the Nigerian armed forces to showcase their military prowess and sophistication in combating the nation’s adversaries.
This call to action was made during the combined passing-out parade of the 71 Regular Course, Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as the Direct Short Service Course 28 (Army) and Direct Short Service Course 32 (Air Force) Cadets of the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna.
The event saw 823 officers commissioned into the armed forces, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.
Tinubu emphasised the importance of maintaining Nigeria’s status as the giant of Africa, highlighting the need for elite militaries to remain professional in democratic dispensations.
He stressed that the professionalism was predicated on the nation’s leadership doing their job effectively.
Nigeria currently faces numerous challenges, including economic struggles, declining standard of living, unemployment, and insecurity. These issues threaten the nation’s unity and development.
“However, the Tinubu’s administration is determined to tackle these challenges head-on to ensure a united, secure, and prosperous Nigeria,” the Speaker, House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, who represented the president at the occasion said.
“We are the giant of Africa and must remain so,” he said.
“Based on this, the present government remains resolute in its mandate to create better living conditions for Nigerians and to do this, it has begun taking several steps,” the president added.
As a responsible government, the president said, they were able to identify the crux of the nation’s problems, which were centred on some fundamental issues.
“As a government, we are working hard to confront these problems, including associated ones, to make our beloved nation more secure and improve the quality of life of the Nigerian citizen.
“We need the cooperation of all Nigerians for better answers in our interest,” he said.
He, however, called on the Nigerian Armed Forces to develop a comprehensive policy to support families of fallen soldiers.
He emphasised the need to alleviate the suffering of widows and children who have lost loved ones in service to the nation. This directive aims to address the challenges faced by these families and provide them with necessary support.
Tinubu also acknowledged Nigeria’s complex history since gaining independence, marked by periods of turbulence and prosperity. However, he expressed determination to unite the country, ensuring no one is left behind.
“The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) plays a crucial role in this endeavour, as it trains officer cadets for the Armed Forces.
“The nation requires loyalty, commitment, dedication, resilience and service from you.
”Be aware that wherever and whenever the nation comes calling, you will answer,” he said.