President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has tasked newly graduated officers of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, to take the lead in Nigeria’s on-going security transformation, as the country confronts increasingly complex threats ranging from terrorism to cyber warfare and climate-induced conflicts.
Speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the Joint Graduation Ceremony of Senior Course 47 and Junior Course 100 at the Major General Bulama Biu Parade Ground, Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State, the President described the ceremony as a reaffirmation of the core values of discipline, patriotism and service that define the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (AGF), Sen. George Akume, CON, the President congratulated the graduating officers, saying their success reflected years of sacrifice, resilience and commitment to national service, according to Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Other members of the Presidential entourage include former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom; Senator Jack Gyado; Prof Iorwuese Hagher; Gen. Benedict Williams (rtd); AVM James Gbum (rtd ) among others.
The President stressed that modern security challenges demand not only courage and tactical skill, but also strategic thinking, inter-agency cooperation and strict adherence to democratic values and the rule of law.
Addressing the officers, he said: “Graduating today at this critical juncture in our national and global history places upon you a solemn duty.
“Your completion of these courses coincides with a period of profound transformation in the global and regional security environment. Traditional and non-traditional threats, ranging from terrorism and insurgency to cyber warfare, maritime insecurity, and climate-induced conflicts, continue to evolve in scope and complexity.
“For Nigeria, these challenges demand not only courage and tactical proficiency but also strategic foresight, inter-agency collaboration, and adherence to democratic values and the rule of law.
“The Federal Government remains committed to strengthening the nations security architecture, improving the welfare of our armed forces, and enhancing the synergy among the military, intelligence, and civil institutions in the pursuit of peace and stability”.
The President commended the Armed Forces Command and Staff College for its long-standing role as a centre of excellence, producing officers who have provided leadership in both peace and conflict times not just within Nigeria but also across international peacekeeping missions under ECOWAS, the African Union and the United Nations.
According to him, the institution’s blend of academic rigour, field training and multinational collaboration has continued to strengthen Nigeria’s defence and security architecture.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening the modernisation of the Armed Forces, strengthening joint operations and improving the welfare and capacity of military personnel.
He said ongoing reforms were focused on upgrading training infrastructure, enhancing operational capabilities and improving the living conditions of officers and their families, as part of a broader agenda to build a safe, stable and prosperous Nigeria.
While emphasising unity within the military, the President reminded the officers that they represent Nigeria’s diversity, united by a common oath to defend the nation’s sovereignty and integrity.
He cautioned that misinformation, ethnic tension and divisive narratives posed serious risks to national cohesion, urging the Armed Forces to remain professional, impartial and loyal to constitutional authority in order to sustain public confidence.
Charging the graduates to see the occasion as a new beginning, Tinubu urged them to apply the leadership qualities, analytical skills and operational competence acquired at Jaji in service to the nation and humanity.
He encouraged them to be bold, innovative and humble in leadership, uphold integrity and discipline as well as mentor future generations of officers.
“To the graduating officers of Senior Course 47 and Junior Course 100, let me charge you to see todays achievement not as the end, but as a new beginning.
“The leadership qualities, analytical skills, and operational competence you have gained here must now be applied in service to your country and humanity.
“Be bold in leadership, innovative in strategy, and humble in service. Uphold integrity and discipline at all times.
“Continue to mentor those coming behind you, and never lose sight of the sacred trust the nation has placed in you,” the President said”.
