President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged newly graduated officers of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, to take the lead in Nigeria’s evolving security transformation as the nation confronts complex and multidimensional threats.
The President gave the charge on Friday while speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the Joint Graduation Ceremony of Senior Course 47 and Junior Course 100 at the Major General Bulama Biu Parade Ground, Jaji Military Cantonment.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described the ceremony as a reaffirmation of the enduring values of discipline, patriotism and selfless service that define the Nigerian Armed Forces.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, the President congratulated the graduating officers, noting that the successful completion of the rigorous courses reflected years of sacrifice, resilience and commitment to national duty.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu observed that the graduation coincides with a critical period of transformation in the global and regional security environment, demanding a new generation of military leaders equipped with strategic insight and professional depth.
“Graduating today at this critical juncture in our national and global history places upon you a solemn duty. 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” the President said.
He stressed that responding to these challenges would require more than courage and tactical proficiency, emphasising the need for strategic foresight, inter-agency collaboration and strict adherence to democratic values and the rule of law.
Great Responsibility and Professionalism
The President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, improving personnel welfare and enhancing synergy among the military, the intelligence community and civil institutions in the pursuit of peace and stability.
Commending the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described the institution as a long-standing centre of excellence that has produced officers who have provided leadership in peace and conflict situations within Nigeria and across international peacekeeping missions under ECOWAS, the African Union and the United Nations.
He noted that the college’s blend of academic rigour, field training and multinational collaboration continues to reinforce Nigeria’s defence and security framework.
Reiterating his administration’s focus on modernising the Armed Forces, the President said ongoing reforms are aimed at upgrading training infrastructure, enhancing operational capabilities and improving the living conditions of officers and their families as part of a broader agenda to build a safe, stable and prosperous nation.
While underscoring unity within the military, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reminded the graduating officers that they represent Nigeria’s diversity, bound together by a common oath to defend the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He cautioned that misinformation, ethnic tension and divisive narratives pose serious risks to national cohesion, urging the Armed Forces to remain professional, impartial and loyal to constitutional authority to sustain public confidence.
Charging the officers to see their graduation as the beginning of greater responsibility, the President urged them to apply the leadership qualities, analytical skills and operational competence acquired at Jaji in service to Nigeria and humanity.
“Be bold in leadership, innovative in strategy and humble in service. Uphold integrity and discipline at all times, mentor those coming behind you, and never lose sight of the sacred trust the nation has placed in you.” He added.
PIAK