“Students Have a Role to Play in Fighting Insecurity” — Gen. Musa
Oru Leonard
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, has urged Nigerian students to take an active role in supporting national security, stressing that safeguarding the country is a shared responsibility.
Speaking during an educational visit by students of the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy from Veritas University to the Ministry of Defence in Abuja, Gen. Musa challenged young Nigerians to remain vigilant and proactive.
“Students, as youths and future leaders, have a vital role to play in fighting insecurity. See and report everything happening around you. The nation’s unity is not for government alone; everyone has a role to play in the peace and security of the nation,” he said.
The Minister also addressed questions on technological gaps, food security, and Nigeria’s defence partnerships. He revealed that the Ministry is strengthening collaboration with relevant government institutions to bridge technological deficiencies and boost local innovation.
On food security, Gen. Musa disclosed that the Ministry is utilising its land resources to support mechanised agriculture, contributing to national food production efforts.
Highlighting the importance of self-reliance in defence, he said Nigeria is working closely with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria to expand local production of military equipment, including drones. According to him, domestic production remains the most sustainable solution to procurement challenges, especially amid global constraints linked to the ongoing Iran crisis.
He further cautioned students against cybercrime, urging them instead to channel their creativity and skills into productive ventures that contribute to national development.
Gen. Musa also advocated broader access to military training, noting that it builds discipline, resilience, and a balanced outlook on life. “Military training is not punishment. It challenges you, expands your view about life, and builds resilience. Too much comfort can stifle creativity and leave people unchallenged,” he added.
On Nigeria’s defence cooperation with Turkey, the Minister said the country’s decades of experience in counter-terrorism offers valuable lessons. He noted that Nigeria aims to leverage Turkish expertise, technology, and strategies to strengthen its fight against insecurity.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Richard Pheelangwah, welcomed the delegation of 54 students and their lecturer, explaining that the visit was intended to expose them to Nigeria’s defence structure and career opportunities in security and strategic studies.
The students, in their response, described the visit as enlightening, saying it deepened their understanding of the Ministry’s role in promoting peace, stability, and national development.
Senior officials of the Ministry were also in attendance at the event.
