President Bola Tinubu has boldly challenged the Nigerian Armed Forces to step up their game in tackling national adversaries, insisting that Nigeria must keep up its charade as the “Giant of Africa.” His grand pronouncement came during a passing-out parade in Kaduna for the 71 Regular Course and Direct Short Service Course graduates from the Nigerian Defence Academy, where 823 new officers were commissioned into the armed forces.
Represented by Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tinubu urged military personnel to remain steadfast in their operations, claiming that “elite militaries remained professional in democratic dispensations.” It’s interesting how he assumes that the military’s professionalism is just a matter of focus, especially when Nigeria’s leadership often seems more focused on self-preservation than on genuine national security.
Tinubu lamented the heart-wrenching sight of military barracks filled with widows and children of soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. He directed military leaders to draft a robust policy proposal to support these families. It’s a noble thought, but one can’t help but wonder why it took so long for anyone in power to consider the plight of those left behind. This kind of attention should have been part of the national conversation ages ago, not just a last-minute addition to a speech.
While praising the military’s efforts, Tinubu echoed the familiar refrain, “We are the giant of Africa and must remain so.” However, this proclamation rings hollow for many Nigerians who are struggling daily with poverty and systemic exploitation. A “giant” that cannot provide basic necessities to its citizens is, quite frankly, a joke. It’s a contradiction that’s hard to overlook, how can a nation be a giant when its people are suffering like slaves, barely scraping by under the weight of economic hardship?
Furthermore, Tinubu reflected on Nigeria’s tumultuous history, claiming his administration would change the course of history and unite the country so that “no one should be an exception.” This sounds grand, but it leaves one pondering, how does he plan to unite a nation deeply divided by inequality and political strife?
As for the newly commissioned cadets, Tinubu reminded them that the nation expects “loyalty, commitment, dedication, resilience, and service” from them. They’ve been trained at great expense, and he made it clear that they must answer the call whenever the nation needs them. This is undoubtedly a heavy burden to place on fresh graduates, especially when the expectations of those at the top seem so disconnected from the harsh realities faced by the common people.
If Nigeria truly aims to maintain its status as the “Giant of Africa,” it must start by addressing the very real issues that keep its people living in the shadows of their potential. Without meaningful action, the title of “Giant” may remain nothing more than a accolade, repeated in speeches but never realized in reality.
