Defence minister makes important appeal to retired officers

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has appealed to retired military officers in Nigeria to realize that the country still needs their expertise and wealth of experience.

This, he said, was crucial in confronting the security challenges of the nation.

Matawalle said this at a dinner in honour of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, organised by members of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) 38 Regular Course Welfare Association on Saturday in Abuja.

He said the experience garnered over the years as military officers would remain relevant even as they embarked on another phase of life.

He added that the nation needed them as professionals and experts to bring to bear their expertise and experience in proffering solutions to the myriads of challenges bedevilling the country.

According to him, it is expected that they now have a special time to recollect and bring forward ideas to address the problems without any hindrance.

“I encourage you to, from time to time, critically brainstorm on the challenges confronting the country with a view to providing workable solutions.

“I want to assure you that the Ministry of Defence is ever ready to receive you as group of expert thinkers to dialogue on issues of defence and security concerns in our country.

“In view of the immense training and experience of these eminent gentlemen and highly exposed security professionals, we will ensure that your time in retirement is pleasant and we will continue to take your welfare as a priority at the Ministry of Defence,” he said.

The minister said the efforts to move the nation forward were a collective responsibility of all, adding that God had already blessed Nigeria with enormous talented military officers.

He commended the association for honouring their member who was appointed as defence chief and their continuous efforts towards the welfare of the members and the society at large.

The CDS, Gen. Musa, thanked the association for celebrating and honouring him, and for their unwavering support and commitment to seeing him succeed as defence chief.

Musa said the event also signified the acknowledgement of the collective achievements and sacrifice of the nation’s armed forces through the unwavering dedication of the brave men and women in uniform who had been able to safeguard Nigeria’s peace and unity.

According to him, their selfless courage and professionalism are the pillars upon which defence forces stand today.

He said the collaboration with the nation’s allies had become vital in addressing the complex challenges that it currently faced.