Christopher Musa, General and Chief of Defense Staff (CSD), has urged the Nigerians students to continue to give maximum support to the Armed Forces, assuring that the security situation is getting better with concerted efforts.
Musa stated this in Maiduguri the Capital of Borno State while speaking as a special guest at a Conference organised by the Khalthum Foundation for Peace, Network of Civil Society Organisation and the Borno State Youth Palliament with a view to addressing violence extremism in North-East, Nigeria.
He said, “I want to appeal that we should not get tired, things are getting better. We must continue to cooperate with security forces, so that we can have total peace in Borno state and Northeast in General”.
Speaking on the theme of the event, “Countering Violent Extremism: The Role of Educational Institutions and Students”, the CDS stated that youths and particularly students play a key role in advocacy through digital mediums
“Let us speak through social media, TV, and radio to counter extremist narratives and promote peace,” he said.
He added, “This sensitisation programme could not have come at a better time. At its core, it aims to raise awareness and stimulate positive action at the grassroots, to embrace peace as a way of life and to counter radicalisation through education, dialogue and civic responsibility.
“It is particularly important now to clarify right from wrong, especially as our adversaries exploit vulnerabilities such as illiteracy, poverty and the fault lines of ethnicity and religion”.
While commending the organisers, Musa said the programme is critical to awakening students role as security stakeholders.
“I particularly appreciate the inclusion of topics that awaken students to their crucial role as security stakeholders, just as in earlier times when student voices and aspirations helped shape government policies.
“This sensitisation programme could not have come at a better time. At its core, it aims to raise awareness and stimulate positive action at the grassroots, to embrace peace as a way of life and to counter radicalisation through education, dialogue and civic responsibility. It is particularly important now to clarify right from wrong, especially as our adversaries exploit vulnerabilities such as illiteracy, poverty and the fault lines of ethnicity and religion.
“To our SAVE 1 and 2 teams, I charge you to be ambassadors of peace. Walk the talk. Be the examples you seek in others. Lead by integrity, commitment and courage. Raise more disciples, champions of peace, unity and truth. Let this be the beginning of a new movement, a movement of students and youths determined to reclaim their communities from violence and uphold values that reflect our collective dignity as Nigerians”, he noted.
Also Governor Mai Mala Buni, the Book Presenter, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Security matters, retired Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam, commended the Nigerian military under the good leadership of General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff, who has been very successful in the fight against terrorism and other criminalities in the Country.
While donating the token sum of N5 million to purchase 50 copies of the book, Governor Buni said, “The Book which has 19 chapters, would go along way in providing the roots cause of insurgency and how Nigerian Youths will read and comprehend the concept of terrorism, and help to detect terrorist attacks in their communities such as unusual behaviour, abandoned packages, suspicious vehicles, threatening language and gathering of individuals.”
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Kalthum Foundation for Peace, Ummukalthum Mohammed, appreciated the CDS and his troops, as well as other stakeholders for their unwavering efforts in the fight against Boko Haram and other terrorism in the country.
Following the conclusion of the programme, CDS proceded to Maimalari Military Hospital on a sympathy visit to wounded soldiers receiving treatment where various donations in cash, drugs and equipment was made by a philanthropist, Paul Odilli.
