By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, says Nigeria’s security successes are the result of collective effort, stressing that no single service or individual can secure the nation alone.
Musa made the remark on Thursday in Abuja during the decoration ceremony for newly promoted Air Vice Marshals (AVMs) and Air Commodores of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
He urged the officers to see every promotion as “an opportunity to make a difference”.
The minister said that the expectations on them remained high because they possessed the clarity of vision and judgment needed to strengthen ongoing military operations.
“Our strategic direction gives us the pathway to finish missions that have lingered.
“Through timely air intervention, precision engagement, technology, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, we have achieved notable gains in multiple theatres,” he said.
The minister commended the service chiefs and troops for their sacrifices, describing inter-service cooperation as the backbone of recent operational achievements.
“No single individual or service can do this alone. Unity of effort, effective intelligence sharing and joint operations are central to sustaining our momentum,” he added.
Musa also praised President Bola Tinubu for his consistent support to the Armed Forces, saying it had enabled the military to record progress in safeguarding national security.
He assured officers that the nation’s promotion system remained fair and balanced, emphasising that every Nigerian officer was seen as important.
“We must think of ourselves as one big family, living in different rooms but under the same roof. What affects one affects all,” he said.
The minister encouraged those not promoted to stay committed, assuring them that their time would come.
He further charged officers to strengthen unity, resilience and commitment to a shared national vision, insisting that “defeat is temporary, but victory is permanent” when the military stands together.
Earlier, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, charged newly decorated senior officers to uphold the highest standards of integrity, discipline and strategic leadership.
Aneke described the promotion of the officers to the ranks of AVM and Air Commodore as a strong vote of confidence in their professionalism and capacity to shoulder higher responsibilities.
According to him, military promotions are earned through dedication, competence and character, noting that each new rank demands higher trust, deeper responsibility and the courage to take tough decisions.
“Your new rank places you at the strategic level where policy direction meets operational reality.
“You are now directly responsible for shaping strategy, guiding operations, making critical decisions and ensuring optimal performance across commands, units and personnel under your authority.
“As you take on these heightened responsibilities, always remember that victory in modern conflict does not rest solely on platforms or weapon systems, but on the quality of leadership at every level—most especially at the senior command tier,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the newly decorated officers, AVM Akin Adebomehin attributed their elevation to the unwavering grace of God and the confidence reposed in senior officers by President Bola Tinubu.
Adebomehin, an Associate Professor of Computing, Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence, said the new ranks came with renewed commitment to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity, uphold the Constitution and protect citizens with absolute dedication.
He also lauded the Defence Council, the Minister of Defence, the Minister of State for Defence and other key stakeholders for facilitating the promotion process.
He praised the Chief of the Air Staff for providing purposeful leadership anchored on agility, innovation and precision in mission execution.
According to him, the newly promoted senior officers remain fully committed to delivering on their duties and justifying the confidence of the nation’s political and military leadership. (NAN)
