The Honourable Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON and his State counterpart, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, MON have assumed office today the 22nd of August, 2023 at Ship house, Abuja.
Giving his response, the Honourable Minister said that to curb the insecurity in the country, all the security stakeholders need to cooperate and work in synergy.
“Nigeria, as we all know is a country blessed with abundant resources and also a nation that faces numerous challenges, in maintaining peace and stability within its border we have to work with other security agencies to resolve insurgency and other crimes to have a Nigeria of our dream,” he said.
Honourable Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar CON, inspecting Guard of Honour during his resumption of office in Ship House, Abuja.
Alhaji Badaru said that they were fully aware of the weight of their responsibilities as Ministers and Nigerians’ expectations as far as security is concerned adding that they are committed to succeed in their responsibilities.
He emphasized the need to guarantee security for all Nigerians, pointing out that a safe and peaceful society will guarantee development of the nation. He said: “Without security, there cannot be investment and without investment, there cannot be national growth”. He therefore, urged the Service Chiefs for their maximum corporation and timeline in service delivery to end insecurity.”
Honourable Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON (L) and Honourable Minister of State Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, MON (M), receiving the handover note from the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni (R).
He further pledged that their leadership will spare no effort in ensuring the security and well-being of every citizen, stressing that no stone shall be left unturned in building defence apparatus that can effectively counter emerging threats.
Alhaji Badaru thanked Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for finding him and Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle worthy of the appointment and in trusting the security of the nation in their hands. He also described the President as a thinker and achiever of goals, adding that with Mr. President’s full support, they would deliver on his mandate of providing security for Nigerians irrespective of the region of the country.
Honourable Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON (L) and Honourable Minister of State Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, MON (R) during the assumption of office.
On his own part, the Honourable Minister of State, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their tireless sacrificial services in defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria, contributing to regional peacekeeping efforts and maintaining law and order.
Calling on all hands to be on desk, he said with the support of the Ministry, dedication of the armed forces and the unwavering commitment of every Nigerian citizen, the nation would overcome any security challenge.
Honourable Minister of State Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, MON, inspecting Guard of Honour during his resumption office
The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni in his welcome address described the appointment of the two Ministers by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR as a blessing to the Ministry because of their wealth of experience.
On behalf of the Ministry, he welcomed the Honourable Ministers and assured them of the Ministry’s loyalty, readiness for teamwork and peaceful operational environment.
Honourable Minister of Defence; Honourable Minister of State Defence; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence; Chief of Defence Staff; Service Chiefs and Directors of the Ministry in a group photograph during the assumption of office of the Ministers.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, on behalf of the Nigerian Armed Forces commended the appointment of the Ministers and said that Armed Forces generally are going to cooperate with them in order to be able to achieve a society free from security challenges.
“We are going to build on the cooperation of the Armed Forces that is already in existence amongst the tri-services and other security Agencies and help the Ministers achieve the mandate of Mr. President on security,” he said.
The highlight of the event was the signing and exchange of handover notes from the Permanent Secretary to the Honourable Ministers.
Victoria Attah-Agba
Director (Press and Public Relations)
22/08/2023
