Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Maj Gen Christopher Musa over the weekend, assured the nation that the Armed Forces, in partnership with the citizenry, would overcome security challenges confronting the country.
The defence chief spoke in the wake of the special operation launched Saturday in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State by the Chief of Army Staff, Maj Gen Taoreed Lagbaja.
At the launch of the operation codenamed: Hakorin Damisa (Tiger’s Teeth) designed to end the killings in the state, Lagbaja said the special operation was aimed at tackling the ongoing security challenges within Mangu and environs.
He charged troops of the special force to respond to all distress calls and work with other security agencies to end all forms of insecurity in the area.
“This violence in Plateau, you must stop it once and for all and stamp it out completely,” he charged troops.
Speaking at the graduation of 20 barrack youths after a two-week intensive training at the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA) Skill Acquisition Center in Abuja, the defence chief said in spite of the challenges facing the nation, the Armed Forces were determined to contain insecurity.
“Nigerians are going through a lot and together we can overcome it. We must be proud of our great country. This country is blessed. A lot of people are beefing us because they know our potential but we will get there,” he said.Addressing the graduates of the skill acquisition programme, the defence chief urged them to put their skills to good use.
“Today, we gather here not only to celebrate the completion of skill acquisition programmes but also to acknowledge the tremendous value and significance of these feats. The skills that have been acquired by the members of DEPOWA will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in their personal growth, self-reliance, and empowerment.
“By investing in their own abilities, our defense and police wives are taking a proactive step towards securing a brighter future for themselves and their families.
“In times of tragedy and loss, the impact on the families of our fallen heroes is immeasurable. The skill acquisition programmes organised by DEPOWA also play a crucial role in assisting the wives of deceased officers to cope with sustaining their livelihoods.
“By equipping them with valuable skills, we are empowering them to overcome the challenges they face and ensure a secure future for themselves and their children. It is our duty as a society to support these brave women and provide them with the tools they need to rebuild their lives.
Citing his personal experience, he urged parents to pay more attention to the upkeep and future of their children, saying, “I commend the organisers of this event. This programme will generate employment and boost the economy.
“I thank God for my life. My father was nobody but today I am somebody. If you do not prepare your kids now, the future will destroy them but that is not our prayer,” he said.
In her remarks, the President of DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Musa, congratulated the graduates and urged them to put their skills to good use.
Kingsley Nwezeh
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