By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
PRESIDENT BOLA Tinubu has pledged to equip and arm the Nigerian military, underscoring his dedication to bolstering national security.
He lauded the efforts of the Armed Forces, acknowledging their sacrifices in safeguarding the nation.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of Course 32 participants at the National Defence College in Abuja, Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, emphasized the need for ongoing military support.
He vowed to continue using his constitutional powers to ensure the military is well-equipped and capable of defending Nigeria.
The President acknowledged the state of infrastructure at the National Defence College’s permanent site in Piwoyi, Abuja.
He promised that his administration would complete the ongoing work and upgrades at the site, highlighting that while progress has been made, more work is necessary.
Tinubu expressed gratitude to the graduates of Course 32 for their research contributions, which offer strategic options for harnessing Nigeria’s mining sector to enhance national security and development.
He noted that his administration is already working to implement these recommendations, aiming for a secure and prosperous future for the country.
The President praised the National Defence College’s approach to education, noting that its broad thematic areas have contributed to finding sustainable solutions to security and development challenges in Nigeria and beyond.
He also highlighted significant progress under his administration, including the implementation of the new national minimum wage, which benefits both civilian workers and military personnel.
President Tinubu also reiterated his commitment to tackling crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta, assigning the Defence Headquarters the task of addressing these issues to boost oil and gas production, which is vital for economic stability.
Moreover, Tinubu emphasized the importance of creating a business environment that encourages value addition in Nigeria’s mining sector.
He revealed ongoing collaborations with international partners to harness the sector’s potential for national security and development.
The President urged the graduates to maintain values of excellence, courage, patriotism, and integrity. He encouraged them to use their newly acquired skills to address Nigeria’s diverse challenges.
Earlier, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, Commandant of the National Defence College, highlighted that the 111 graduates are now better equipped to contribute to Nigeria’s strategic leadership.
The graduates, drawn from various national institutions, including the armed forces, police, and ministries, were joined by 19 international participants from countries such as India, Brazil, South Africa, and Ghana to reflect Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to fostering global cooperation in defense and security.
