Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has advocated military training for every Nigerian, saying it would promote discipline, endurance, teamwork and patriotism.
Musa made the call in an interview on the African Leadership Podcast with Ken Giami, released on YouTube on Monday.
The minister said military training would give Nigerians a better understanding of the sacrifices involved in defending the country and the challenges faced by members of the armed forces.
“For me, I think it’s the best. If I have my way, every Nigerian should be able to go through military training,” he said.
According to him, such training would expose people to endurance and the realities of making sacrifices for others, including coping with hunger, exhaustion and prolonged periods without sleep.
Musa, who joined the Nigerian Defence Academy as a cadet in 1986 and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1991, said military personnel routinely put their lives at risk to protect the country.
He urged Nigerians to appreciate the sacrifices of soldiers and avoid actions or comments capable of lowering their morale.
The minister noted that troops operate under difficult conditions, often away from their families, while performing their duties in different parts of the country.
He also highlighted the sacrifices made by military families, recalling that during the first 17 years of his marriage, his military duties meant he never spent 30 consecutive days with his family.
Musa said such sacrifices could affect soldiers and their families, particularly when personnel spend extended periods away from their children during their formative years.
He further stressed the importance of teamwork, saying military training teaches people that no individual can succeed entirely alone.
“No man is an island,” he said, adding that the military operates as a team and depends on collective effort to accomplish its mission.
On Nigeria’s security challenges, Musa said the fight against insurgency and other forms of insecurity required both military and non-military measures.
He explained that kinetic operations were only part of the solution, while non-kinetic measures such as improving living conditions, infrastructure, healthcare, education and access to basic needs were also critical.
The minister also called on Nigerians to believe in the country and embrace patriotism, stressing that national development requires citizens who are committed to protecting and improving their nation.
“I think the important thing is for Nigerians to believe in the country. That’s very critical. If you don’t love your country, you can’t defend it,” he said.
Musa assured Nigerians that the military would continue working towards restoring and maintaining peace and security across the country, while urging citizens not to be discouraged by the nation’s security challenges.
About The Author
