According to President Bola Tinubu, his government places a high priority on improving the wellbeing of Nigerian military personnel.
Yesterday in Abuja, Tinubu gave a speech at the opening of an army barracks bearing his name and the groundbreaking ceremony for a new defense complex. In his remarks, he thanked the military personnel and praised their work under General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defense Staff.
“This ceremony marks 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,” the president stated.
This is the day that we begin a new chapter in our country’s dedication to protecting the security and safety of its citizens. I promise, as your Commander-in-Chief, to stand for our soldiers and their families.
“Under our Renewed Hope Administration, I reaffirm my commitment to creating a military that is truly professional, well-equipped, and represents the pride of our country.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank our armed forces for their outstanding efforts under the leadership of the CDS, General CG Musa, who stands watch alongside the service chiefs and men against the evil forces that seek to impede our beloved peace and development,” Tinubu continued.
“Your perseverance, bravery, and commitment preserve our liberties and the fundamental ideals upon which our country was established.”
Speaking about the importance of the Defence Complex, Tinubu said, “As we begin construction on this Armed Forces Complex, let it represent our respect and appreciation for your steadfast service and our commitment to provide you the tools you need to perform better.
“This structure will serve as a national landmark that all Nigerians can be proud of, in addition to being a place of loyalty when it is finished. It will be a center of excellence that will revitalize capable leaders who are dedicated to ensuring the safety of our population.
The significance of locally manufactured military hardware in bolstering domestic defense capabilities was also emphasized by the president.
“I am especially proud to share that our efforts to develop a military-industrial complex have started to yield positive results,” he said.
The Nigerian Army’s Command Engineering Depot, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, and private companies like EPAIL and ProForce have conducted extensive research and development on these projects, which has improved our country’s defense capabilities.
So, I am proud to say that these Nigerian-made armored personnel carriers (APC) and tactical mine resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles have been assembled.
They bear witness to the progress that has been realized in our defense industry. Along with improving our economy, these vehicles will increase the operational effectiveness of our military forces.
Tinubu urged Nigerians to band together and strive for a better future for their nation. Following Armed Forces Remembrance Day, he said the historic occasion was a lasting tribute, particularly to those who had lost their lives or suffered injuries in defense of Nigeria’s peace and security.
Over the course of his presidency, he pledged to finish the complex’s initial phase.
In the past, Musa said that the Garki headquarters, which was once intended to be a temporary office, had grown insufficient for the armed forces’ operations and that a new, cutting-edge building was now necessary.
The new complex, he said, would be a symbol of the Nigerian military’s modernization and commitment to greatness.
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Assuring the president of the army’s and the armed services’ devotion and dedication to the country, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede commended him for his sustained support.
Deputy Senate President Senator Jibrin Barau, who represented the Senate president, Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Tajuddeen Abbas, Senator Ahmad Lawan, and Minister of Defense Alhaji Abubakar Badaru were also present at the ceremonies.
Top military officials, service chiefs, Mohammed Idris Malagi, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Advisor, and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, were also present.
