“We are implementing programmes and policies to empower our citizens to combat the challenges of poverty, criminality, and terrorism,” Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said at the passing-out parade of Cadets of the 70 Regular Course, Direct Short Service Course 27 (Army) and Direct Short Service Course 31 (Air Force) of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, revealed in a statement he signed on Saturday titled ‘At NDA passing-out parade: President Tinubu vows to crush terrorism, poverty in Nigeria.’
Reading the President’s address titled, ‘The Heroes of Nigeria’s Path to Prosperity and Security,’ Shettima said, “Every day, every minute, we are reminded of the consequences of economic and social disintegration around us.
“This is why we favour cooperation and the formation of bilateral and multilateral alliances to create opportunities for our people.”
He explained that the Federal Government is working to eliminate poverty, terrorism and criminality by “preparing for the food security crisis triggered by the Russian-Ukrainian war, to responding to banditry attacks on farmers, natural flood disasters, and the repercussions of military coups.”
“This administration has remained vigilant in devising solutions to mitigate their impact and enhance national security,” he added.
As part of moves to deal decisively with the criminal elements, Tinubu noted that his government has embarked on a new era in the country’s national defence and security strategy.
“I have directed all heads of defence and security institutions to unite in their efforts to protect our nation’s integrity and well-being, and as Chairman of the ECOWAS, we are diligently working to enhance our regional conflict management and development mechanisms.
“To forge a path towards greater peace, stability, and progress across West Africa and beyond is not negotiable,” he explained.
To tackle poverty inflicted on Nigerians by activities of the terror groups, Tinubu said he would treat every region equally and give them a sense of belonging in his government.
He stated, “Whether in tackling the secessionist elements disrupting the peace and economic activities of the good people of the South-East or doubling up our efforts in winning the counter-insurgency in the North East, and whether in pursuing normalcy in the North-West or in making the farmer-herder crises a thing of the past in the North-Central, every group will be treated as equal and given a sense of belonging in our government.”
The President noted that his government is intensifying efforts to implement tangible measures that will alleviate the hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates.
“Our immediate actions, such as reducing taxes on strategic manufacturing industries, distributing grains from the national reserve to vulnerable demographics, providing fertiliser and farm inputs, and extending soft loans to small and medium-scale industries, all serve as a clear message to our nation.
“We stand firmly with our citizens, determined to guide our country towards a path of accelerated economic growth and opportunities, where no one lives on handouts,” he affirmed.
Addressing the graduating Cadets, President Tinubu noted that like those before them, they were “stepping into a world fraught with threats, a world that demands unique skill-sets to conquer the adversaries of the state.
“They are going to find themselves in a dynamic landscape, one marked by combat and regimental realities vastly different from those encountered by their predecessors.”
Tinubu congratulated the commandant and the entire NDA community for upholding their noble tradition.
Earlier, the Commandant, Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA), Maj.-Gen. John Ochai, expressed gratitude to Tinubu for his unwavering commitment and support to the academy towards the realisation of the noble dreams of its founding fathers.
He applauded the personnel and staff of the academy for their unwavering efforts in discharging their duties, as well as the graduating cadets for their tireless efforts throughout their training.
The event featured parades, march past, presentation of prizes to best graduating Cadets, conferment of commission, presentation of parchment of commission as well as administering of the oath of allegiance.
The passing-out parade was attended by dignitaries, including Senate President 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, Abubakar Badaru, and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, were also present.
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, Maj.-Gen. John Ochai, among others.
