According to President Bola Tinubu, improving the well-being of Nigerian military personnel and officers is still a top priority for his government.
On Thursday, President Tinubu gave remarks at the opening of an army barracks bearing his name in Abuja as well as the groundbreaking ceremony for a new defence complex.
Under the direction of General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, the President thanked the military personnel for their efforts.
“With this ceremony, a construction project begins, and a renewed dedication to our military and democratic values is established.
“This time, we begin a new chapter in our country’s dedication to protecting our citizens’ safety and security. I promise to support our troops and their families as your Commander-in-Chief,” Tinubu said in a statement released by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga.
“I reiterate my commitment to creating a military that is professional, well-equipped, and represents our nation’s pride under our Renewed Hope Administration.
“I would want to take this opportunity to personally thank our armed forces for their outstanding work, led by General CG Musa, the CDS, who stands watch alongside the Service Chiefs and men against the evil forces that aim to impede our cherished peace and progress.“
The President remarked, “Your commitment, bravery, and tenacity defend our liberties and preserve the fundamental values upon which our country was established.”
“As we break ground on this Armed Forces Complex, let it symbolise our nation’s respect and admiration for your unwavering service and our dedication to providing the resources you need to function better,” President Tinubu said about the Defence Complex’s significance.
“When finished, this structure will serve as a national landmark of which all Nigerians can be proud in addition to serving as a centre of allegiance. It will serve as a centre of excellence, revitalising capable leaders dedicated to our citizens’ protection.”
To strengthen domestic defence capabilities, Tinubu also stressed the significance of producing military hardware locally.
“The fact that our efforts to create a military-industrial complex are starting to pay off makes me especially proud. The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, the Nigerian Army’s Command Engineering Depot, and private companies like EPAIL and ProForce have conducted extensive research and development for these projects, which have improved our domestic defence capabilities.
“Therefore, I am proud to announce the assembly of these Nigerian-made armoured personnel carriers (APC) and tactical mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles. They bear witness to our defence industry’s progress. These vehicles will improve our economy in addition to increasing the operational effectiveness of our military forces,” he stated.
The President urged Nigerians to unite and strive for a better future for the country, saying the historic occasion, which follows Armed Forces Remembrance Day, is a lasting tribute, particularly to those who have lost their lives or suffered injuries in defence of Nigeria’s peace and security.
According to his pledge, the complex’s initial phase would be finished during his administration.
The chief of defence staff had earlier stated that the Garki headquarters, which was originally intended to be a temporary office, was no longer suitable for the armed forces’ activities and that a new, state-of-the-art building was now necessary.
The new facility would be a sign of the Nigerian military’s modernisation and commitment to excellence, he added.
Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff, assured the President of the people’s devotion to the country and thanked him for his continuing support of the army and armed forces.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who represented Senate President Jibrin Barau, Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Tajuddeen Abbas, Senator Ahmad Lawan, Minister of Defence Alhaji Abubakar Badaru, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris Malagi, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff to the President Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Service Chiefs, and high-ranking military officials were present at the events.
