Liberate every inch of Nigerian territory, Tinubu charges Armed Forces
President Bola Tinubu has charged the armed forces to continue to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity against all threats, commending them for their dedication and sacrifice for the nation.
The war is not yet over until every parcel of land held by the enemy is flying the flag of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he told the military on Saturday.
A statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, said the President gave the charge during the 60th anniversary of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna.
“The government is fully aware of the service and sacrifices that members of the Nigerian Armed Forces have continued to render across the length and breadth of this country, especially in the face of daunting challenges.
“We, as a government, will continue to accord priority to the needs of the armed forces to enable the military play its constitutional role without let or hindrance.
“Let me reiterate the urgency to upscale the fight against insecurity, which has robbed us of peace and progress.
“While the relative peace you have been able to secure is worth celebrating, you must remember that the war is not yet over until every parcel of land held by the enemy is flying the flag of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he added.
Tinubu assured the military of his administration’s commitment to its welfare, as well as unflagging support in the discharge of its duties.
The NDA has since its establishment on February 5, 1964, undergone various transformation towards meeting its mandate of training officers for the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Tinubu highlighted some of the milestones recorded during the transformation of the NDA to include addition and training of Air Force cadets, the successful reunification of the country after the Civil War in 1967 as well as the various short-service military training programmes instituted to fill the militay’s manpower needs.
Other noteworthy achievements he said, include the upgrade of the NDA to a full-fledged degree-awarding university in 1985.
“The government is also pleased to note that the curriculum approved by the National Universities Commission, the regulatory body is sufficiently robust and broad-based to enable the cadets to acquire the knowledge, skills, values, character, and discipline required for effective and efficient service in the Nigerian Armed forces in peace times and in times of crises.
“I understand that other giants’ strides recorded in the NDA include the establishment of post-graduate programmes, the creation of research centres and centres of excellence to facilitate research and enable cross fertilization of ideas.
“The consistent academic calendar devoid of industrial disputes and strikes should make the NDA postgraduate school an institution of first choice not only for Nigerian students but also for students across the globe.
“I therefore charge the academic staff both military and nonmilitary to transform the NDA into ‘Nigeria’s Silicon Valley,’ a hub for startups where ideas are not only incubated but also actualised,” the President said.
Tinubu commended the past and present leadership of the NDA for the quality of military and academic training, which has continued to attract students from other African nations.
He said with the quality of training at the Academy, the military is capable of bringing to an end all acts of banditry, insurgency, and criminality that have ravaged the country.
“Let me also add that although the war against the enemies of Nigeria is not over, it is fair to state that relative peace has been recorded across the major flash points.
“These successes have come at a price for the government and the populace. We remember our fallen heroes and those out in the trenches for the sake of our fatherland. Let us also celebrate their resilience and sacrifice at this diamond jubilee.
“I urge you to continue to play your constitutional role of safeguarding the territorial integrity of Nigeria, our fatherland.
“You must shun any acts that are inimical to the well-being of our nation and acts which can destroy the gains of democracy which we have enjoyed in the last 20 years,” Tinubu added.
