By Mark Mayah
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has acknowledged that while progress has been made, Nigeria’s Armed Forces are not yet where they aim to be in addressing the nation’s security challenges.
He emphasized the need for collaboration among all sectors, stating, “No single institution can solve these challenges in isolation.”
General Musa spoke during the 6th Edition of the Security and Emergency Management Awards (SAEMA) 2024 in Abuja, where Vanguard’s Defence Editor, Mr. Kingsley Omonobi, was honored as the Best Defence and Security Journalist in Nigeria.
Delivering the keynote address, General Musa highlighted the global nature of security threats, stressing the Armed Forces’ commitment to creating a safe environment for economic and social development.
“Our desire is to decimate these threats and foster a conducive environment for growth,” he stated.
He underscored the importance of civil-military relations, citing the Maiduguri floods as an example where troops were deployed for search-and-rescue missions to strengthen trust between the military and the populace.
The CDS noted the significance of regional collaboration, emphasizing Nigeria’s leadership in the ongoing African Military Games as a unifying platform to tackle insecurity across the continent.
“Through sports, African countries have come together to address insecurity as a united front,” he said.
The event, organized by Economic Digest Magazine in collaboration with the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), recognized individuals and institutions for their contributions to Nigeria’s safety and security.
Award Highlights: General Christopher Musa: Bridge Builder of the Security Agencies.
Kingsley Omonobi (Vanguard): Best Defence and Security Journalist in Nigeria.
DG Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace: Outstanding Crisis Communicator.
Assistant Controller NSCDC, Attach John: Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer, for efforts in curbing illegal mining.
Institutional Awards: National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA): Public Information Management.
National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA): Emergency Management.
Nigerian Air Force: Community Service.
Customs Command Abuja: Training Institute of the Year.
Operation Hadin Kai Theatre Commander, Major General Waidi Shuaibu: Most Outstanding Military Officer.
Mallam Yushua Shuaibu, Editor-in-Chief of Economic Digest Magazine and CEO of Image Merchants, described the awards as a platform to honor gallantry, patriotism, and contributions to security and emergency management.
The ceremony highlighted the indispensable role of collaboration and excellence in addressing Nigeria’s complex security landscape.
