The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has called for every Nigerian to undergo military training, saying the experience would deepen citizens’ understanding of sacrifice, endurance and national security.
Musa made the proposal while speaking on the African Leadership Podcast hosted by Ken Giami as monitored by The News Chronicle.
The minister said exposing civilians to military training would give them a different perspective on life by allowing them to experience the physical and mental demands faced by members of the Armed Forces.
According to him, enduring hunger, exhaustion, sleep deprivation and strenuous physical activities would help Nigerians appreciate the sacrifices made by soldiers in 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.
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He added that such training would teach citizens the meaning of endurance, particularly the ability to continue despite physical exhaustion and discomfort.
“It will show you what endurance means, when you walk kilometres 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 said.
Musa, a former Chief of Defence Staff, said members of the military routinely put their lives at risk for the safety and stability of the country.
He cited the biblical teaching that “there’s no greater friend than he who will give his life for his friend,” saying the principle reflected the sacrifices made by military personnel.
“And that’s exactly what the military men are doing, putting their lives at stake for their country to move around,” he said.
The minister also expressed concern over what he described as public criticism and misunderstanding of the military, particularly when citizens question the need for continued military operations.
He said greater public understanding of the demands placed on soldiers could help citizens appreciate the risks and sacrifices involved in military service.
