Minister of Defence, Common Christopher Musa, mentioned nation-building required integrity, accountability, and dedication from all residents, explaining that sustainable growth and nationwide stability can solely be achieved by way of collective duty.
Musa said that each citizen had a job to play in upholding moral requirements, supporting authorities initiatives, and selling unity throughout the nation.
The minister spoke in the course of the Mixed Convocation Ceremony of the Air Power Institute of Know-how (AFIT), Kaduna, held on Saturday, March 28.
Musa’s views had been contained in an announcement issued by Director of Public Relations and Data of the Nigerian Air Power, Air Commodore EhimenEjodame.
Represented by Everlasting Secretary of Ministry of Defence, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, Musa charged the graduating college students to embrace patriotism, innovation, and excellence as they contribute meaningfully to nationwide growth.
He said that their tutorial success got here with the duty to contribute to the nation’s progress and safety.
Highlighting the size of the ceremony, the minister disclosed that 3,003 college students had been awarded diplomas, levels, and certificates, describing the milestone as exceptional, significantly as AFIT solely attained degree-awarding standing within the 2018/2019 tutorial session.
He emphasised that the graduates weren’t merely leaving with tutorial {qualifications} but additionally as custodians of nationwide duty, geared up with the information and expertise to deal with modern challenges.
He urged them to use their experience with sturdy ethical values, stressing that Nigeria’s progress relies on people dedicated to integrity and accountability.
Musa underscored the significance of AFIT as a centre of excellence in technological schooling {and professional} coaching, highlighting its position in producing expert manpower important for advancing science, know-how, and innovation.
Nonetheless, former Speaker of Plateau State Home of Meeting, Hon. Dewan Gabriel, criticised current feedback made by Chief of Defence Workers (CDS), Olufemi Oluyede, describing them as “an insult to each Nigerian household that has misplaced a cherished one to terrorism”.
Oluyede had likened terrorists to the Biblical “prodigal son,” suggesting that they deserve rehabilitation.
The remarks sparked outrage amongst terrorism victims, communities, and safety stakeholders.
In a strongly-worded assertion, Gabriel mentioned the feedback had been unacceptable at a time when Nigerians continued to face killings, displacement, and widespread insecurity.
“Such a comment trivialises the bloodshed and ache inflicted on harmless residents and sends a harmful sign that the lives of victims matter lower than the consolation of perpetrators,” he mentioned.
Gabriel said that terrorists weren’t “misunderstood people” however violent actors who had waged conflict in opposition to the Nigerian state.
He insisted that any method that appeared to prioritise sympathy over justice amounted to a betrayal of public belief.
The previous speaker added that Oluyede’s assertion undermined nationwide morale and disrespected the sacrifices of safety personnel who risked and sometimes misplaced their lives within the battle in opposition to terrorism.
He said, “Management at that degree calls for self-discipline, sensitivity, and unwavering dedication to justice.
“When a excessive rating officer makes feedback that weaken the battle in opposition to terrorism, it raises severe questions on judgment and health for workplace.”
In one other growth, Oluyode emphasised that sustaining bodily, psychological, and emotional health was important for operational effectiveness.
“To defeat insurgency, different rising safety threats, we should maintain bodily, mentally, and emotionally match,” he said.
Oluyode highlighted that the nation’s complicated safety surroundings demanded personnel who weren’t solely combat-ready but additionally resilient, disciplined, and able to addressing safety challenges with focus and willpower.
Talking on the closing ceremony of Chief of Defence Workers (CDS) Armed Forces Inter-Service Archery Competitors 2026, Oluyede mentioned given the safety challenges going through the nation, the timing of the competitors was each apt and essential for addressing threats by way of non-kinetic means.
Represented by Director of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral SemiuAdekpegba, the CDS said, “It’s crucial that the women and men of our Armed Forces stay match bodily, mentally, and emotionally to deal with the large calls for and duties of our nationwide values and aspirations.
“Occasions of this nature are organised to boost marksmanship and instilvalues of integrity, precision, depth, innovation, and excellence, whereas additionally enhancing service supply.
“Efficient service can solely be assured when personnel are match. Over the previous few days, now we have witnessed not solely the distinctive abilities and precision of our rivals but additionally the camaraderie and sportsmanship that mirror the core values upheld by our armed forces.”
He harassed, “Archery extends past a mere sport; it embodies self-discipline, focus, perseverance, and fortitude. Every archer engages not solely in focusing on the mark but additionally in embodying basic navy values: accuracy, resolve, and an unwavering quest for enchancment. These rules resonate each in athletics and in our day by day duties as protectors of the nation.”
Linus Aleke and Yemi Kosoko
Times Nigeria