The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has proposed that every Nigerian should undergo military training, saying such an experience would give citizens a deeper understanding of life and the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces.
Musa made the proposal while speaking on the African Leadership Podcast hosted by Ken Giami.
The former Chief of Defence Staff said military training exposes people to physical exhaustion, hunger, lack of sleep and other difficult conditions that can help develop endurance and a different perspective on life.
According to him, Nigerians who experience such training would better appreciate what soldiers go through while carrying out their duties and protecting the country.
“Every Nigerian should be able to go through military training. I can tell you for free, it will give you a different perspective about life. You will now understand what it means to stay hungry, what it means to walk in days without sleep,” Musa said.
He explained that military training teaches people to keep going despite physical exhaustion and deprivation, particularly when they are carrying out duties considered necessary for the protection of others.
“It will show you what endurance means, when you walk kilometers and you are tired but you still need to keep on going. You have not eaten, you have not taken one because of the nature of the thing and because you are doing it to protect,” he added.
Musa also highlighted the risks taken by military personnel in the course of defending the nation, stressing that soldiers often put their lives on the line for the safety of other citizens.
Referencing the biblical teaching about sacrificing one’s life for a friend, the minister said the principle reflected the commitment of members of the military to their country.
“Just like what the Bible says that there’s no greater friend than he who will give his life for his friend,” he said.
“And that’s exactly what the military men are doing, putting their lives at stake for their country to move around.”
The defence minister expressed concern over criticism directed at the military, particularly comments suggesting that the country does not need the Armed Forces.
He said the sacrifices made by military personnel should be better understood by Nigerians, especially those who may not have experienced the conditions under which soldiers operate.
“And so that’s why sometimes it’s very painful when you see people insulting the military and telling them they don’t need it or we don’t want this to end. Nobody’s dying now, and they don’t want it to end,” Musa said.
His comments come amid ongoing discussions about national security, the role of the military and the sacrifices made by security personnel in confronting threats across the country.
