Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, has charged personnel of the Ministry of Defence to remain vigilant, security-conscious, and proactive in mitigating safety risks. This was contained in a statement signed by Leah Katung-Babatunde, Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Defence.
Speaking on Monday during a Town Hall meeting with staff at the Ministry’s headquarters, Ship House, Abuja, Gen. Musa emphasised that civilian personnel play a vital role in the national security architecture. He urged staff to report suspicious activities promptly by adopting the mantra, “See something, say something,” while maintaining situational awareness regarding personal movements.
The maiden engagement with the Honourable Minister was established to build direct communication between leadership and staff, identify operational gaps, and address pressing workforce concerns. Expressing gratitude for the personnel’s dedication, General Musa reiterated the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to improving the welfare and working conditions of civil servants, whom he described as the engine room of government.
The Minister highlighted the necessity of strengthening civil-military cooperation, calling for unity, teamwork, and mutual respect between civilian employees and the Armed Forces. He announced plans for structured engagement programs to foster symbiotic working relationships across the ministry’s civilian and military cadres.
In her remarks, the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Bosede Olaniyi, commended the Minister for convening the session. She noted that the initiative reinforces open communication, discipline, and collective responsibility in executing the ministry’s mandate to safeguard national sovereignty.
Presenting staff concerns, Mr. Dahiru Goronyo, President of the Joint Executive Council of the Ministry of Defence Union, highlighted key issues affecting personnel welfare. These included delays in third-party remittance deductions, transportation challenges, training opportunities, promotion matters, and entitlement arrears. The Minister and his management team addressed the issues raised, reassuring staff of prompt resolution.
Concluding the event, the Director of Human Resources, Mr. Idris Gaya, mni, expressed appreciation to the Minister for his accessible leadership and clear strategic direction, pledging the workforce’s renewed loyalty and dedication to the administration’s goals.
The Town Hall was attended by Directors, Heads of Departments and Units, staff across all cadres, and representatives of the media.
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