****Get Involved In Results Oriented Initiatives For Self Development , Nation Building

The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni has charged youth to embrace dialogue and be involved in result oriented initiatives for self-development and nation building.

The Minister gave the charge when he received a delegation of Forum of Special Assistants/ Senior Special Assistants to Governors led by Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives Hon. Titi Gbadamosi in Ship House, Abuja.

Badaru stated that the reform initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR are geared towards improving the lives of Nigerians.

He noted that part of the bold step he took was the autonomy granted to the Local Governments for effective accountable development at the grass roots and strengthening accessible governance to the people.

Badaru added that the President has also given different levels of palliatives like Social Security Intervention to states (Sub- Nationals), Post Subsidy Removal Presidential Grant and Loans Schemes to support Nigerians through their State Government.

The Minster recalled that Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) and other Skilled- up Artisans Initiatives (SUPA) were put in place especially for the youths’ development.

Badaru advised the Youths to collaborate with the Ministries of Information and National orientation for publicity, Ministry of Trade and industry, Humanitarian Affairs, Ministry of Youths, Minister coordinating the National economy and finance and other Agencies like BOA, Bank of Industries and SMEDAN to key into the programmes and initiatives they have for Youths.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives, Hon. Titi Gbadamosi Initiatives said the Forum is committed to advancing youth across the continent by fostering dialogue, innovation and collaboration.

According to her the event is slated to hold on 1st and 2nd of October, 2024 at International Conference Center, Abuja. She added that it is designed to catalyze the active participation of Nigerian Youths in a nation building and economic empowerment.

The Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Defence Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni has called for a deeper partnership between Nigeria and Walter Reed Army Institute of the United States of America on medical research for the benefit of the Military personnel and the civilians in Nigeria.

Dr. Kana stated this when he received the leadership of Water Reed Army Institute of Research USA at the Ship House, Abuja.

The Permanent Secretary noted that the current partnership between Water Reed Institute of Research and Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme has increased the relationship between the two countries and the the Military of both countries. “Your facility has been of a tremendous help not only to the military but to the entire nation,” he said

Speaking further, he called for more partnership in area of research not only in the treatment of diseases like malaria but as well as in the prevention. “We need to work on research of vaccine to prevent malaria which is one of the killer diseases of child of age five,” he said.

He said that such partnership woul work as the US was doing well in research development. “I believe our stronger partnership in the area of research will help a lot and we can work actively in the aspect of malaria prevention vaccine. The Ministry will be happy to launch such a research programme,” Dr. Kana said.

Earlier the Director-General of Ministry of Defence Health implementation Programme Brig -General Nathan Okeji (Rtd) described the support of Walter Reed Army Institute as excellent and has contributed in controlling the spread of HIV/ Tuberculosis.

In addition,the leader of the delegation of Walter Reed Army Institute, Colonel Cownell Eli Lozano assured the Permanent Secretary of the deeper commitment of the United States to continue to support the existing relationship with Nigeria.

He expressed appreciation to the Ministry for the support and commitment and emphasized the significant achievements resulting from the partnership especially in the establishment of the Defence Reference Laboratory (DRL) in Abuja.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni, has assured the Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State and Nigeria at large of the Federal Government’s continued support in the areas of security and provision of essential services.

This was made available in a statement signed by
Henshaw Ogubike Director (Information and Public Relations).

Dr. Kana made this statement when he received the Executive Chairman of Keffi Local Government Council, Hon. Muhammad Baba Shehu, and other council members at the Ship House, Abuja.

He commended the delegation for their congratulatory visit and promised to critically and objectively consider their demands.

Regarding the unsettled compensation claims for 177 Guards Battalion keffi, Dr. Kana promised to review the records at the Ministry before taking any decision. He emphasized that requests for payment must be based on available relevant records and encouraged the delegation to consider the benefits of the barrack to the community in terms of development, security and other ancillary benefits.

Earlier, Hon. Muhammad Baba Shehu congratulated Dr. Kana on his appointment as Permanent Secretary since 2021, praising his performance and commitment to duty. He also commended the Military and other security agencies for their swift responses in addressing insecurity threats in Nasarawa State.

The Honourable Minister of Defence, H. E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has charged National Defence College (NDC) Course 32 Graduands to advance the tenets of democracy as a pathway to Africa’s unity and development.

This was contained in a statement signed by Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr Director (Information and Public Relations).

Speaking at the National Defence College Course 32 Graduation Lecture, themed “Democracy Beyond the Ballot Box: A Pathway to Africa’s Unity and Development,” the Minister emphasized that democracy goes beyond elections and is pivotal in addressing the continent’s challenges.

“Democracy in Africa holds great virtues that extend far beyond the mere act of voting in an election,” Minister Abubakar stated. He highlighted the importance of inclusive governance, where citizens are actively involved in decision-making processes beyond the electoral cycle. “By emphasizing transparency and inclusivity, democracy can build trust in institutions and create a more cohesive society where shared goals and collective responsibility drive development,” he added.

The Minister praised the role of regional bodies such as ECOWAS and the African Union (AU) in promoting democratic governance across the continent. He noted that these institutions are instrumental in setting regional and continental standards, supporting member states in implementing democratic principles, and fostering collaboration on issues such as trade, security, and climate change. “This regional cohesion, driven by democratic values, can enhance collective problem-solving and drive development efforts more effectively,” the Minister observed.

Badaru called on the graduating participants to apply the strategic knowledge they have acquired to advance democracy and ensure a secure environment for development across Africa. “Development can only thrive where there is security. You must leverage the knowledge you have acquired to provide an enabling security environment for the development that the African continent is yearning for,” he urged.

The Minister acknowledged the presence of the former President of Republic of Tanzania, H. E. Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete who is the Guest speaker at the event.

Furthermore, the Minister expressed hope that democracy would continue to serve as a catalyst for unity and development across Africa, stressing the need for collective efforts in building a strong and united continent. “Let us embrace democratic norms as a pathway to engendering Africa’s unity and development,” Minister Abubakar implored.

The Minister of State For Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle in his remarks to mark the closing ceremony of DICON 60th Anniversary and African Defence Industries Conference said the event has shown the progress that has been made in Nigeria Defence sector via the showcasing of innovation, collaboration and expertise in our local defence industry

He also extended his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support to the Armed Forces And DICON in extension, for always prioritizing the requirements for the Military.

In same vein he extended his gratitude to other indigenous Defence companies/organization for there efforts and innovations

In his closing he assured the International partners that investing in Nigeria’s Military Industrial complex is an investment worth every penny. While thanking the Organizers for bringing the event together as it has brought glamour and pride to DICON and the country at Large.

Earlier while giving his Vote of thanks, the Director General Defence Industries Corporation Of Nigeria (DICON) Maj. Gen AE Edet Extended his gratitude to Mr President for the Enactment of the DICON Acts 2023 as it will shape a clear path of progress for the nation as it pertains to our self reliance in the Defence sector.

He also appreciated the unwavering support DICON has received from the Service Chiefs and Ministry of Defence, while also thanking and also calling for more collaboration between DICON and there Local and Foreign Partners.
In closing he thanked everyone present at the event for making it a resounding success

The highlights of the days event was the 2 interactive Panel sessions that were majorly focused on Overcoming Brain drain in Nigeria and integrating AI with human skills for defence innovation.

The closing event also featured a pitching presentations from the top ten finalists of the Defence Innovation challenge, and the top 3 were awarded and also received cash prizes from Sen Ned Nwoko.

In a colourful event to mark the 60th anniversary of DICON and the maiden African Defence Industries Conference, H.E Bello Matawalle leads delegation to celebrate the agency achievement and chart the course forward to take the agency forward.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ably represented by the Secretary to the Government of the federation, Sen George Akume, in his address commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), celebrating six decades of resilience and innovation. Stating that DICON remains a cornerstone of the nation’s military-industrial complex, providing essential support to the Armed Forces and Security Agencies.

President Tinubu also shared his commitment to advancing DICON’s growth, emphasizing that within his first six months in office, he signed the DICON Act 2023 into law. This move has created the right environment for modernizing DICON’s production capabilities, including the development of automated production lines for unmanned aerial and land vehicles. These advancements, Tinubu believes, will significantly enhance Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes.

In his conclusion he said The signing of the DICON Act 2023 marks a new era, positioning DICON as the arrowhead of the Military Industrial Complex, driving strategic objectives in defence manufacturing and technology, and modernising the Armed Forces to address national and sub-regional security challenges. This aligns with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” and the DICON Evolution Strategy and Road Map 2030, launched today, aiming to bridge performance gaps and reposition DICON as a global player, realising the vision of our founding fathers.

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, In his address praised DICON’s journey since its establishment in 1964, noting how it has become a crucial part of Nigeria’s national security by supplying the Armed Forces with vital equipment. Matawalle expressed pride in the legacy of resilience and innovation that DICON represents for the country.

Matawalle highlighted that theDICON ACTS 2023 allows DICON to operate with more independence and efficiency, which is essential as Nigeria looks to strengthen its defence capabilities in the coming years.

In his closing remarks, Matawalle expressed enthusiasm for the Maiden Africa Defence Industries Conference and the Defence Innovation Challenge, initiatives stating that it will bring together experts and young talents from across Africa to drive advancements in defence technology. He called for collaboration across all sectors to achieve the goals set out in the Vision and Strategy Road Map 2030.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, The Director General Of DICON, Maj.Gen A.E Edet, stated that the Event was to celebrate the achievement so far of the agency and also to chart a way forward saying they are committed to partnerships, investing in human resources and development of Defence technologies.

The event had in attendance Members Of the National Assembly, Diplomatic Corps, Service Chiefs, DICON partners amongst others.

Goodwill messages were received From Minister of steel development, Prince shuaibu Audu Abubakar, Hon. Babajimi Benson, Presentations were also received from Epail Nigeria, National Radio Telecom, Pakistan and Arab Organization for Industrialization, Egypt.

The highlights of the event was the unveiling of the new DICON logo, Book launch, Defence Exhibition amongst others