Every Nigerian should be able to undergo military training – Defence minister

The Nigerian Defence Minister, Gen. Christopher Musa, has advocated for every Nigerian to undergo military training, emphasizing its potential to instill discipline, endurance, and a deeper appreciation for life's challenges. In an exclusive interview on the African Leadership Podcast, Musa argued that military training would provide Nigerians with a different perspective on life, teaching them about the sacrifices required to protect the nation and the importance of teamwork.

He stated that such training would enable individuals to understand the meaning of staying hungry, sleeping without days off, and enduring long distances while fatigued, all in the name of protecting their country.

Musa, a retired Nigerian Army officer who joined the Nigerian Defence Academy as a cadet in 1986, highlighted the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families. He mentioned that for the first 17 years of his marriage, he rarely spent more than 30 consecutive days with his family due to his military duties. Musa urged Nigerians to honor and appreciate the military's efforts, stating that they are fathers, brothers, and sisters to others who have left behind families.

He emphasized the need for Nigerians to believe in their country and its security forces, urging them not to discourage the military in their mission to ensure peace and security across the nation.