The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has warned that the armed forces will not tolerate mischief-makers attempting to instil fear among Nigerians. Badaru issued this warning during his keynote address at the Third National Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) in Abuja on Tuesday.
The two-day conference is themed “Strategic Solutions for Good Governance, Food Security, and Sustainable Growth in Nigeria.” Badaru, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Technical Matters, Ahmed Jibrin, emphasized that the armed forces remain resolute in bringing all enemies of Nigeria to justice.
He assured Nigerians of the military’s commitment to providing security, crucial for ensuring food security across the nation. “The Nigerian government recognizes that food security is a fundamental aspect of human rights. No nation can thrive if its citizens are hungry or insecure. Despite Nigeria’s vast agricultural resources, we continue to face challenges in feeding our people,” Badaru stated.
Reflecting on his recent nationwide tour, the minister expressed confidence in Nigeria’s progress toward achieving food security. He also reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to improving the welfare and security of Nigerians, as evidenced by various relief programs targeting sectors such as agriculture, trade, education, health, transportation, and security.
Badaru urged citizens to support security agencies, boosting their morale to effectively carry out their duties. He also called on leaders to foster dialogue and develop actionable solutions that promote peace, stability, and economic growth across the country.
“Leaders must embrace inclusivity and make decisions that reflect the will of the people, ensuring that their needs are met. We must advocate for leadership that is accessible, transparent, and accountable, as these are essential for fostering development closely linked to security and stability,” Badaru added.
He also stressed the importance of leveraging technology to enhance governance, increase citizen engagement, and combat corruption in Nigeria. “Nigeria is a nation of resilient and compassionate people, and we must never take this for granted,” he said.
Badaru noted that addressing food insecurity requires a concentrated approach, including investments in agriculture, research, and innovation, as well as providing farmers with the necessary tools and resources.
In his remarks, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, called for a constitutional review to define specific roles for deputy governors. Ganduje noted that while the roles of vice presidents are defined, deputy governors currently have no prescribed functions in the constitution, and their responsibilities are assigned at the discretion of the governor.
Ganduje encouraged the forum to continue fostering unity and teamwork to strengthen the organization and enhance its impact on national development.
