Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has charged Africa’s military leadership to deepen unity and cooperation in the fight for peace and security across the continent.
Zig Diaries
| Defence
Date: Thursday, 28 August 2025
Time: 20:15 WAT
Location: 📍 Abuja, Nigeria
The
minister, who addressed the Gala Night of the African Chiefs of Defence Staff
Summit 2025 in Abuja, praised the continent’s military chiefs for their
dedication and urged them to sustain their shared vision for a secure Africa.
According to
a statement signed by Ahmad Dan-Wudil, Personal Assistant on Media to the
Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle said: “Nigeria will
continue to support regional cooperation; together, we can build a peaceful
Africa where every citizen can live in safety and dignity.”
He stressed that Nigeria would keep investing in training, strengthening institutions, and promoting values such as democracy, fairness, and respect for human rights.
The minister
added: “Tonight, we are not gathered for war, but for celebration. We are
here to reflect on how far we have come, to honour the sacrifices made for
peace, and to remind ourselves of the important work ahead in building a safer
and stronger Africa.”
Matawalle
commended the visiting defence chiefs for their tireless role in protecting
sovereignty and regional peace, describing their presence in Abuja as proof of
the bonds and vision uniting African states.
He also
underscored key issues discussed at the summit — including tighter border
security, stronger counter-terrorism measures, the use of emerging technologies
in defence, civil-military cooperation in logistics, and safeguarding Africa’s
strategic waterways.
“Let us raise a glass, not only to the success of this Summit, but to the hope of a peaceful Africa where every citizen can live in safety and dignity,” he said, calling for unity among Africa’s top brass.
The minister wished all delegates safe returns to their countries, expressing hope they would leave with fond memories of Nigeria’s hospitality and the cooperative spirit of the summit.
Fact-Check & Background Context:
The African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit 2025 held in Abuja from 25–27 August was the first hosted by Nigeria.
It brought together top defence leaders from across the continent to discuss collective approaches to insecurity.
Nigeria, which has battled Boko Haram insurgency and cross-border banditry for over a decade, has consistently called for stronger regional defence collaboration, particularly under ECOWAS and AU frameworks.
🏷️TAGS: Defence, Nigeria, Bello Matawalle,
African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit, Abuja, Regional Cooperation, Security,
Ministry of Defence
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#AfricaSecurity #RegionalCooperation #Defence
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