Nation-Constructing Calls for Integrity, Accountability, Dedication, Says Defence Minister Musa
The Minister of Defence, Normal Christopher Musa, has mentioned nation-building required integrity, accountability, and dedication from all residents, noting that sustainable improvement and nationwide stability may solely be achieved by means of collective accountability.
He said that each citizen has a task to play in upholding moral requirements, supporting authorities initiatives, and selling unity throughout the nation.
The minister made this identified in the course of the Mixed Convocation Ceremony of the Air Power Institute of Know-how (AFIT), Kaduna, held on Saturday, 28 March 2026, and was contained in an announcement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Data of the Nigerian Air Power, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
Represented by the Everlasting Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, Normal Musa charged the graduating college students to embrace patriotism, innovation, and excellence as they contribute meaningfully to nationwide improvement.
He famous that their educational success comes with the accountability to contribute to the nation’s development and safety.
Highlighting the dimensions of the ceremony, the Minister disclosed that 3,003 college students have been awarded diplomas, levels, and certificates, describing the milestone as exceptional, notably as AFIT solely attained degree-awarding standing within the 2018/2019 educational session.
He emphasised that the graduates weren’t merely leaving with educational {qualifications} however as custodians of nationwide accountability, outfitted with the data and expertise to deal with up to date challenges.
He urged them to use their experience with robust ethical values, stressing that Nigeria’s progress is determined by people dedicated to integrity and accountability.
Normal Musa additionally underscored the significance of AFIT as a centre of excellence in technological training {and professional} coaching, noting its position in producing expert manpower important for advancing science, know-how, and innovation.
In the meantime, a former speaker of the Plateau State Home of Meeting, Hon. Dewan Gabriel, has criticised the latest feedback made by the Chief of Defence Employees (CDS), Olufemi Oluyede, describing them as “an insult to each Nigerian household that has misplaced a beloved one to terrorism.”
The CDS had likened terrorists to the biblical “prodigal son,” suggesting that they deserved rehabilitation. The remarks have nonetheless have sparked outrage amongst victims’ communities and safety stakeholders.
In a strongly worded assertion, Gabriel mentioned the feedback have 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 argued that terrorists weren’t “misunderstood people” however violent actors who’ve waged battle towards the Nigerian state, insisting that any strategy that appeared to prioritise sympathy over justice amounted to a betrayal of public belief.
He added that the assertion undermined nationwide morale and disrespected the sacrifices of safety personnel who risked and sometimes misplaced their lives within the battle towards terrorism.
“Management at that stage calls for self-discipline, sensitivity, and unwavering dedication to justice. When a excessive‑rating officer makes feedback that weaken the battle towards terrorism, it raises severe questions on judgment and health for workplace,” he mentioned.
In one other improvement, Oluyode, has emphasised that sustaining bodily, psychological, and emotional health waas 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 advanced safety atmosphere demanded personnel who weren’t solely combat-ready but additionally resilient, disciplined, and able to addressing safety challenges with focus and dedication.
Talking on the closing ceremony of the Chief of Defence Employees (CDS) Armed Forces Inter-Service Archery Competitors 2026, he famous that, given the safety challenges dealing with the nation, the timing of the competitors was each apt and essential for addressing some threats by means of non-kinetic means.
Represented by the Director of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Semiu Adekpegba, the CDS mentioned, “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 obligations of our nationwide values and aspirations.
“Occasions of this nature are organised to reinforce marksmanship and instil values of integrity, precision, depth, innovation, and excellence, whereas additionally bettering service supply.
“Efficient service can solely be assured when personnel are match. Over the previous few days, we’ve witnessed not solely the distinctive skills and precision of our opponents but additionally the camaraderie and sportsmanship that mirror the core values upheld by our Armed Forces.
“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 elementary 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