- Matawalle honoured in Saudi Arabia
By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Ministry of Defence has indicated interest to partner with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.
The Minsiter of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar stated this when he received Executives of the National Institute led by the Director General, Prof. Ayo Omotayo in Ship House, Abuja.
A press release by Barr. Henshaw Ogubike, Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence disclosed this in Abuja.
According to Badaru “there was the need for the adoption of research results carried out by the institution over time to mitigate security threats and promote peace and stability in the region.”
The minister told the delegation that something is being done to enhance the security situation in the country noting that the Institute is an apparatus of change for the development of the nation.
“Badaru said that the report of the security summit held recently by the Northern Group would be sent to the Institute for further studies and analysis.
“He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening security architecture through research results.
“On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni said that the reform of the Ministry of Defence and its Agencies is to bring cohesion as well as allow for prompt discharge of constitutional responsibilities of the Armed Forces.
“He further said that the Ministry’s organization is being restructured to allow for Military-Civilian interaction which will further enhance cohesion between the Military and the civilians as obtained in some countries.
“Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation, Prof. Omotayo said that the purpose of the visit was to solicit the support of the Ministry in the areas of security, infrastructure as well as deployment of Directing Staff to the Institute.
“He congratulated Badaru on his appointment as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He said the Institute was proud to have its members achieve such a great feat.
Meanwhile, the Director, Press said the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle was graciously honoured during his recent visit to Makkah, to perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia.
“The Chairman of Shurakar Alkhair Group and Leader of the Saudi-based hajj service providers group, Musa Hamid Jibril, organised a warm reception in honour of the Nigerian Minister of State for Defence.
“While in Saudi Arabia Dr. Matawalle’s presence was met with great respect, emphasizing the significance of diplomatic relations and shared commitments to peace and security.
“The Minister during the Umrah procession, prayed for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s success and that of the Nigerian Armed Forces and Nigeria as a whole.”
