By Nkechi Eze
The Honourable Minister of Defence, His Excellency Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni, has called on alumni of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) to leverage their collective expertise in driving national unity, security reforms, and sustainable development. He made the call while officially declaring open the 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), held at the NIPSS Main Auditorium in Kuru, Jos.
The event, hosted by the Plateau State Government and themed “Towards a New Nigeria,” attracted leading figures from government, traditional institutions, the diplomatic corps, academia, and security agencies.
An official signed statement by Mati Ali, Personal Assistant, Media and Publicity to the Honourable Minister, disclosed that the Honorable Minister in his keynote address, emphasized the indispensable role of policymakers and security professionals in shaping a peaceful and progressive Nigeria. He noted that ongoing counterterrorism and counter-banditry efforts by the Armed Forces and other security agencies have yielded substantial results in recent months.
“We have achieved meaningful strides in dismantling terrorist and bandit cells, neutralizing hundreds of insurgents and their key leaders,” the Minister said, while assuring the public of the government’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace and stability across the country.
Badaru urged members of the Association to intensify their advocacy for security sector reforms and national development. According to him, AANI’s wealth of knowledge, drawn from strategic leadership across various sectors, is vital to building a stronger Nigeria.
“As a proud alumnus of SEC 28/2006, I am deeply honoured to be part of this family,” the Minister said. “I commend the AANI Executive Committee for their dedication to national service, and I call on all members to reaffirm their commitment to the ideals of the Institute and work collaboratively for a brighter national future.”
The AGM featured the presence of distinguished personalities, including His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, and President of AANI, Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor, mni, alongside other esteemed alumni who reaffirmed their resolve to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
