President Bola Tinubu has vowed to crush terrorism and poverty in Nigeria while emphasizing the importance of investing in human capital in a speech read out by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the passing-out parade of cadets of the 70 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna on Saturday.
Tinubu, who was represented by Shettima, said his administration is implementing programmes and policies to empower Nigerians to combat the challenges of poverty, criminality, and terrorism.
He also directed all heads of defence and security institutions to unite in their efforts to protect the nation’s territorial integrity.
Tinubu said his government is embarking on a new era in the country’s national defense and security strategy, which will be driven by a resolute commitment to confront the substantial threats and challenges that confront us within the West African sub-region.
He also noted that his government is working to enhance regional conflict management and development mechanisms to restore peace and stability in the sub-region.
Tinubu said he is committed to tackling poverty inflicted on Nigerians by the activities of the terror groups and that he will treat every region equally and give them a sense of belonging in his government.
He also said his administration is intensifying its efforts to implement tangible measures to alleviate the hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates.
Tinubu praised the NDA for its role in safeguarding Nigeria and said the passing-out parade is a symbol of the country’s enduring commitment to the ideals of patriotism and investment in human capital.
He called on the graduating cadets to strive to be paragons of excellence and vigilant protectors of the nation.
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Tinubu also urged the NDA to invest in scientific research and technological innovations to prepare for the challenges of the future.
The passing-out parade was well attended by eminent dignitaries, including Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio; Senate Chief Whip, Sen. Ali Ndume; Governors Uba Sani of Kaduna State and Kefas Agbu of Taraba State; Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Kadafur; Minister of Defence, Alhaji Abubakar Badaru, and Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle.
Others are Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar; and Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Maj.-Gen. John Ochai, among others.