The Ministry of Defence on Monday, 12 January 2026, hosted a high-level National Symposium and Lecture Series at the National Defence College, Abuja, as part of activities commemorating the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
The event brought together Service Chiefs, senior government officials, security experts, and stakeholders to deliberate on the theme, “Securing Nigeria’s Future: The Armed Forces and National Development.” The symposium provided a strategic platform for examining the evolving role of the military in Nigeria’s security architecture and its contribution to national development.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Special Guest of Honour, the Christopher Gwabin Musa, the OO Oluyede, the Richard Pheelangwa, the Waidi Shaibu, the Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, alongside representatives of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
Proceedings commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Pheelangwa, followed by a keynote address by General Musa (Rtd). In his remarks, the Defence Minister underscored the inseparable link between national security and sustainable development, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to the modernisation of the Armed Forces to effectively tackle contemporary security challenges.
Key intellectual highlights of the symposium included a historical video documentary tracing the evolution of the Nigerian Armed Forces from 1863 to date; an electronic photo exhibition showcasing major military milestones and Nigeria’s peacekeeping contributions; and a technical session featuring a lead paper delivered by former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd), followed by a robust panel discussion and interactive question-and-answer session.
The symposium reinforced the critical role of the Armed Forces in Nigeria’s national development and emphasized the need for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to secure the country’s future.
