Improving the well-being of Nigerian military personnel is a top priority for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
At the groundbreaking ceremony for a new defense complex and the opening of an army barracks bearing his name yesterday in Abuja, Tinubu gave a speech. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, led the military in their efforts, and he thanked them for their efforts.
The president declared, “This ceremony is the beginning of a construction project and the foundation of a renewed commitment to our military and the values we hold dear as a democracy.”
Our nation’s dedication to safeguarding the safety and security of its citizens is embarking on a new chapter on this occasion. In my capacity as your Commander-in-Chief, I promise to stand behind our soldiers and supporters.
“I reiterate my commitment to creating a well-equipped, genuinely professional military that reflects the pride of our country under our Renewed Hope Administration.”
Tinubu continued, “I would like to use this opportunity to personally thank our armed forces for their outstanding work under the leadership of General CG Musa, the CDS, who stands watch alongside the service chiefs and men against the evil forces that aim to impede our prized peace and progress.
“Your commitment, bravery, and tenacity honor the fundamental values upon which our country was established and safeguard our liberties.”
As we begin construction on this Armed Forces Complex, let it represent our nation’s appreciation and admiration for your steadfast service and our commitment to giving you the tools you need to perform better, Tinubu said in response to questions about the importance of the Defence Complex.
After it is finished, this structure will serve as a national landmark that all Nigerians may be proud of, in addition to being a place of loyalty. A center of excellence, it will revitalize capable leaders dedicated to our citizens’ protection.
To improve domestic defense capabilities, the president also emphasized the value of locally made military hardware.
“I am especially pleased to announce that we are starting to see improvement in the development of a military-industrial complex,” he said.
The Nigerian Army’s Command Engineering Depot, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, and private companies like EPAIL and ProForce have spearheaded these efforts, which have improved our domestic defense capabilities.
With immense joy and delight, I thus declare the assembly of these Nigerian-made armored personnel carriers (APC) and tactical mine resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles.
They serve as evidence of our defense industry’s progress. These cars will strengthen our economy in addition to increasing the operational effectiveness of our military.
Nigerians were urged by Tinubu to unite and strive for a better future for their nation. “The historic occasion, which follows Armed Forces Remembrance Day, is an enduring honor, especially to those who have sacrificed their lives or been injured for the peace and security of Nigeria,” he said.
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According to his pledge, the complex’s initial phase would be finished during his administration.
Earlier, Musa said that the Garki headquarters, which was once intended to be a temporary office, had proven insufficient for the armed forces’ operations and that a new, cutting-edge building was now necessary.
He said the new facility would be a sign of the Nigerian armed services’ modernization and dedication, as well as a beacon of excellence.
In addition to thanking the president for his ongoing support of the army and the armed forces, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede assured him of their commitment to the country.
Honorable Tajuddeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives; Senator Ahmad Lawan; Minister of Defense, Alhaji Abubakar Badaru; and Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, who represented the Senate president, were equally present at the ceremonies.
Along with the service chiefs and senior military officials, there were also Mohammed Idris Malagi, Minister of Information and National Orientation; Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Advisor; and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the Executive.
