The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa eulogized the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President and Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, Pres. Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for its progressive framework which is inspiring ‘both the kinetic and non-kinetic dimensions of our national security strategy, driving progress, and stability across the country.’
The security Chief made the assertion at the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) Annual convention 2025 which was held today Tuesday 21st October 2025 at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos. At the same event, Gen. Musa bagged the award of the Iconic Man of Year bestowed on him by the security beat association, NAOSNP.
The landmark event had several law enforcement chiefs from across the country in attendance. This includes the AIG in charge of Zone 2, AIG Adegoke Fayoade who is also representing the IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun; the Minister of Police Affairs, Sen. Ibrahim Gaidam represented by the Head of Public Affairs, Bolaji Kazeem; the FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed represented by the Lagos Sector Commander, CC Kehinde Hamzat; the NSCDC Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Audi represented by the Lagos State Commandant Keshinro Sunday; the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Ola Olukoyede represented by the Head of Public Affairs, Lagos, DCE Ayo Oyewole; the Chairman of ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu SAN represented by the ICPC Commissioner, Chukwurah Alexander; the Commander, Enugu State Forest Guard, Dr. Akinbayo Olasoji; and the Commander of Ondo State Security Network (Amotekun), Amb. Akogun Adeleye.
Business, religious, and policy executives were also in attendance. These are the Managing Director/CEO, Smithcrown Construction, Dr. Chris Agbede; the Chairman of POCACOV in Lagos, Dr. Chris Oladimeji and his wife; the Pastor of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Prof. Sesan Oniyide who represented the General Overseer, Prof. D.K Olukoya
In his address delivered by AVM Bashir R Mamman, the Commandant of the Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Oshodi, the CDS Christopher Gwabin Musa noted that the theme of the conference, “Securing and Safeguarding Nigeria’s Economic Resources: Using Kinetic and Non-Kinetic Approaches” could not be more relevant. He said: ‘Our nation’s growth and human development depend on how well we protect our resources, both human and natural. These resources go beyond oil and minerals. They include our people, infrastructure, agriculture, forests, technology and every asset that can help our nation grow. Protecting them is not just a security issue; it is an economic and moral duty.’
‘We must remember that security is the foundation for economic success. When people feel safe, businesses grow, farmers plant with confidence and investors take bold steps.”Nigeria recently increased its crude oil production to over 1.5 million barrels per day, but vandalism and illegal activities still threaten this progress. We must therefore protect what we have built so that our natural wealth becomes prosperity for every Nigerian, not just a few.’
CDS Musa added: ‘The first step toward securing our resources starts with all of us. Security is not the work of government alone but of every citizen. Parents, teachers, journalists, community leaders and entrepreneurs all have roles to play. In today’s digital world, information itself has become a battleground. Nigeria has over 107 million internet users and about 38 million active social media users. This space can be used for good or harm. We must therefore protect the truth, report responsibly and ensure that our narratives promote unity and hope rather than division and hate.’
‘The safety of our nation depends on our collective effort and the integrity of our communication.Beyond military action, we must focus more on the non-kinetic side of national security, which accounts for nearly 70 percent of the work. This includes good governance, infrastructure, power, communication and social development. Without roads, our troops cannot respond quickly. Without electricity, businesses cannot grow and citizens cannot even make distress calls. We must also work with our neighbours, Benin, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, to tackle cross-border crimes, arms smuggling and insurgency that threaten our peace. Protecting our borders and resources is a shared responsibility.’
He thanked the foremost security beat association, NAOSNP for the Iconic Man of the Year award. ‘This recognition is not mine alone but belongs to all who work every day to make Nigeria safer and stronger. This award reminds me of a truth I hold dear, that service to our nation begins with duty, integrity and courage to stand firm when others step back. My path in the Armed Forces of Nigeria has been guided by the values of discipline, sacrifice and love for the country. I dedicate this award to the men and women of our Armed Forces whose sweat and sleepless nights guarantee the stability we enjoy and to all Nigerians whose trust drives our mission. The Armed Forces of Nigeria exists because of the citizens and it is only right that we continue to give back through dedicated service.’
‘I thank the leadership and members of National Association of Online Security News Publishers NAOSNP for this honour and salute the journalists and online publishers who use their platforms to enlighten, inform and strengthen our democracy’, he concluded.