Defence Minister urges students to support national security efforts
The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, has called on Nigerian students to play active roles in strengthening national security, saying safeguarding the country is a collective responsibility. Musa
The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, has called on Nigerian students to play active roles in strengthening national security, saying safeguarding the country is a collective responsibility.
Musa made the call while addressing students from the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy of Veritas University, Abuja, during an educational visit to the Ministry.
This is contained in a statement signed by Queenet Ihioma-Hart, a Chief Information Officer, on behalf of the Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, on Tuesday in Abuja.
He urged students, as future leaders, to be vigilant and report suspicious activities, stressing that national unity and security could not be achieved by government alone.
“Students have a role to play in fighting insecurity. See something and report it. The nation’s unity is not for government alone; everyone has a role to play in ensuring peace and security,” he said.
The minister also spoke on issues relating to technological gaps, food security, and Nigeria’s cooperation with Turkey, noting that the Ministry was strengthening collaboration with relevant agencies to address key national challenges.
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He said efforts were ongoing to boost local defence production through the integration of skilled Nigerians into the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) for the production of military equipment, including drones.
Musa added that local production remained critical to addressing equipment shortages and reducing dependence on foreign procurement.
He also advised students to avoid cybercrime and channel their creativity towards national development, adding that military training should be made more accessible as it builds discipline and resilience.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, said the visit was aimed at exposing students to Nigeria’s defence architecture and career opportunities in security-related fields.
The students described the visit as enlightening and expressed appreciation for the insights gained into the workings of the ministry.
(NAN)
