President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged newly graduated officers of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, to take the lead in Nigeria’s ongoing security transformation amid evolving threats such as terrorism, cyber warfare and climate-induced conflicts.
The President gave the charge at the Joint Graduation Ceremony of Senior Course 47 and Junior Course 100 held at the Major General Bulama Biu Parade Ground, Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State. He was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
Describing the ceremony as a reaffirmation of the core values of discipline, patriotism and service, President Tinubu congratulated the graduating officers on the successful completion of their courses, noting that their achievement reflected years of sacrifice, resilience and commitment to national service.
He said the timing of their graduation placed a solemn responsibility on them, as Nigeria and the global community grapple with complex and non-traditional security challenges.
“Graduating today at this critical juncture in our national and global history places upon you a solemn duty,” the President said. “Traditional and non-traditional threats, ranging from terrorism and insurgency to cyber warfare, maritime insecurity and climate-induced conflicts, continue to evolve in scope and complexity.”
According to him, addressing these challenges requires more than courage and tactical proficiency. He stressed the need for strategic foresight, inter-agency collaboration, and strict adherence to democratic values and the rule of law.
President Tinubu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, improving the welfare of military personnel, and enhancing synergy among the armed forces, intelligence agencies and civil institutions in the pursuit of peace and stability.
He commended the Armed Forces Command and Staff College for its long-standing role as a centre of excellence, producing officers who have provided leadership in both peace and conflict situations within Nigeria and across international peacekeeping missions under ECOWAS, the African Union and the United Nations.
The President noted that the institution’s blend of academic rigour, field training and multinational collaboration has continued to strengthen Nigeria’s defence and security capacity.
He further reiterated his administration’s resolve to modernise the Armed Forces through improved training infrastructure, enhanced operational capabilities and better living conditions for officers and their families, as part of a broader agenda to build a safe, stable and prosperous Nigeria.
While emphasising unity within the military, Tinubu reminded the graduates that they represent Nigeria’s diversity, united by a common oath to defend the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He cautioned against the dangers of misinformation, ethnic tension and divisive narratives, urging the Armed Forces to remain professional, impartial and loyal to constitutional authority.
Charging the officers to see the ceremony as a new beginning rather than an endpoint, the President encouraged them to apply the leadership qualities, analytical skills and operational competence acquired at Jaji in service to the nation and humanity.
“Be bold in leadership, innovative in strategy, and humble in service,” he said. “Uphold integrity and discipline at all times. Continue to mentor those coming behind you, and never lose sight of the sacred trust the nation has placed in you.”
Dignitaries at the event included former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom; Senator Jack Gyado; Professor Iorwuese Hagher; General Benedict Williams (rtd); and Air Vice Marshal James Gbum (rtd), among others.
