By Odita Sunday
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has said peace, unity and security remain indispensable foundations for sustainable national development, urging Nigerian communities to harness their collective strength for growth and shared prosperity.
Musa made the call on Saturday while speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the Iyamoye Day 2026 celebration in Iyamoye Kingdom, Kogi State.
The celebration was held under the theme, “Mobilising Our Collective Strength for Growth, Progress and a Prosperous Future.”
The Defence Minister said sustainable development could only thrive in an environment of peace and mutual understanding, stressing the need for stronger collaboration among government institutions, traditional leaders, community leaders and citizens.
“No community can achieve sustainable progress without an atmosphere of peace and mutual understanding,” Musa said.
He also identified youth empowerment as a critical component of national development, calling for sustained efforts to equip young Nigerians with relevant skills and opportunities to contribute productively to society.
“Youth empowerment remains critical to national development. We must continue to create opportunities that enable our young people to acquire relevant skills, become productive, and contribute meaningfully to society,” he stated.
Musa commended the Iyamoye Development Union, traditional leaders and residents for sustaining the annual cultural gathering, describing collective responsibility as essential to building stronger and more prosperous communities.
The Minister, while highlighting the community’s motto, “In Oneness we Stand,” applauded ongoing community-driven investments in education, skills acquisition and local infrastructure.
He urged the sons and daughters of Iyamoye Kingdom to sustain unity, maintain harmony and continue to support their traditional institutions in advancing the development of the community.
The event also witnessed the conferment of a traditional chieftaincy title on the Minister in recognition of his service to Nigeria and support for community development.
The traditional institution and people of Iyamoye Kingdom conferred on Musa the title of Akinjagunla of Iyamoye Kingdom.
The Minister expressed appreciation for the honour and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across all parts of the country.
According to him, a peaceful environment remains essential for communities and local economies to flourish while preserving and promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
Musa said the Federal Government would continue efforts to ensure an atmosphere where “local economies and cultural heritage can thrive uninterrupted.”
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