President Bola Tinubu says his administration will do everything within his constitutional powers to ensure that the Nigerian military is well-resourced and fit for purpose to discharge its constitutional duties of protecting the nation.
Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, made the promise during the graduation of participants of the National Defence College (NDC) Course 31, on Friday in Abuja.
He said the Armed Forces of Nigeria represents one of the finest institutions that the nation could be proud of, assuring that the government would continue to appreciate the sacrifice and patriotism of the gallant men and women of the military.
He expressed confidence that the graduates of course 31 would bring the knowledge, expertise and skills acquired during the course to help in finding solutions to current and emerging security and developmental challenges in the country.
“Our dear country is faced with the flora of challenges including insecurity, social economic hiccups, climate change and migratory issues, ‘the so-called Japa syndrome’.
“We are confronted by systematic corruption, crude oil theft, reduced national productivity, weak infrastructure, weak revenue base, and rising domestic and external debt among others.
“Those challenges demand creative and purposeful driving leadership to mitigate.
“Since coming into office, I have rolled up my sleeves myself to confront and address them frontally and we shall overcome with the special grace of God.
“I must admit that those challenges will require the deployment of knowledge and insight you have acquired from this college,” he said.
The president said he had taken some essential policy steps such as the removal of oil subsidies and liberalisation of foreign exchange rates among others, to reposition the Nigerian economy for prosperity and inclusive growth.
He added that he rejigged the leadership of the armed forces and police among others to usher in a fresh perspective to dealing with the security challenges, urging the participants to go back to their respective services and agencies and align with the visions of the new leadership.
