In a Presidential Security Briefing held at the State House in Abuja on Friday, President Bola Tinubu called upon the nation’s security chiefs to ensure a conclusive victory against the various security threats facing the country.
Acknowledging the positive strides made in eliminating security threats across multiple fronts, President Tinubu emphasized the need for a final resolution to the complex challenges at hand. He addressed security chiefs and heads of intelligence agencies, stressing that success would be measured by the ultimate eradication of the multi-dimensional menace confronting the nation.
During the briefing, President Tinubu highlighted the importance of redirecting resources towards critical areas such as soft and physical infrastructure, social security, MSME empowerment, and other growth enablers. He underscored the necessity of conclusively addressing security concerns to safeguard the country’s ambitious goal of achieving a $1 trillion economy in the coming years.
While commending the security forces for their undeniable success in tackling threats, the President expressed concern over recent incidents, such as those in Kaduna, deeming avoidable errors as unacceptable. He lauded the improved coordination among agencies but stressed that celebrations must wait until a conclusive end is achieved, allowing troops to return to their localities and resources to be freed up for economic expansion programs.
President Tinubu outlined his strategic objective for the armed forces, emphasizing the need to achieve a sustainable production of two million barrels of crude oil per day, including condensates, by the first quarter of 2024. He urged the Navy and sister branches to elevate their performance to meet national goals, promising aggressive action against all malign actors hindering progress.
Warning against failure, the President declared, “We will sustain our momentum. Failure is not an option under my leadership.”
Additionally, President Tinubu took the opportunity to commend the dedication and commitment of certain officers, including the Commander of the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF), Air Commodore Olayinka Olusola Oyesola, the Commander of the Brigade of Guards (BoG), Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya, and his Chief Personal Security Officer (CPSO), Usman Musa Shugaba.
The President expressed his satisfaction with their loyalty and dedication, resulting in their well-deserved promotions. Air Commodore Oyesola was decorated with the new rank of Air Vice Marshal, Colonel Onasanya was promoted to Brigadier-General, and Police CPSO Shugaba advanced to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police.
In his concluding remarks, President Tinubu acknowledged the officers’ service to the nation, stating, “Nigeria calls all to serve. We are the servants of the country, not the masters as you have seen. Your stewardship as leaders in your various categories is reflected in the assignments and responsibilities you have undertaken. I hope that Nigeria will continue to recognize your service to motherland.” The officers were decorated in a ceremony attended by top military and police officials, as well as the spouses of the promoted officers.
