By Julius Peter
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, has called on Nigerians, particularly community leaders and residents, to prioritise peace, unity and collective responsibility as essential foundations for sustainable development and national prosperity.
The Minister also stressed the need to empower young people through skills acquisition, education and productive economic opportunities, noting that youth development remains critical to building a peaceful, secure and prosperous society.
General Musa made the call while serving as the Special Guest of Honour at the 2026 Iyamoye Day celebration in Iyamoye Kingdom, Kogi State, held under the theme, “Mobilising Our Collective Strength for Growth, Progress and a Prosperous Future.”
The annual cultural celebration brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, indigenes and other stakeholders to celebrate the heritage of Iyamoye Kingdom while reflecting on strategies for community development and a prosperous future.
Speaking at the event, the Defence Minister commended the Iyamoye Development Union (IDU), traditional institution and residents for sustaining the annual gathering, describing it as an important platform for promoting cultural identity, strengthening communal bonds and mobilising support for development initiatives.
He emphasised that sustainable development could only be achieved through cooperation among government institutions, traditional authorities, community-based organisations and citizens.
According to him, peace and mutual understanding are indispensable conditions for meaningful progress, adding that communities must work together to create an environment where individuals and businesses can thrive.
“No community can achieve sustainable progress without an atmosphere of peace and mutual understanding,” General Musa stated.
He noted that the responsibility of building a peaceful and prosperous society should not be left to government alone, urging citizens to embrace collective action and contribute positively to the development of their respective communities.
The Minister particularly highlighted youth empowerment as a critical component of national development, stressing the importance of creating opportunities for young people to acquire relevant skills, become economically productive and contribute meaningfully to society.
He maintained that investing in the younger generation through education, vocational training and skills development would help reduce social vulnerabilities while strengthening the nation’s human capital.
General Musa also urged the people of Iyamoye to remain committed to the community’s motto, “In Oneness We Stand,” describing unity as a powerful instrument for overcoming challenges and achieving common development objectives.
He applauded the community for its ongoing efforts in supporting education, skills acquisition and local infrastructure development, encouraging sons and daughters of the kingdom, both at home and in the diaspora, to sustain their contributions towards improving the welfare of residents.
The Defence Minister further called on the people to maintain harmonious relationships, respect traditional institutions and support their community leaders in advancing initiatives capable of transforming Iyamoye Kingdom.
He explained that traditional institutions remain important partners in promoting peace, resolving communal disputes and mobilising grassroots support for development.
A major highlight of the 2026 Iyamoye Day celebration was the conferment of the traditional chieftaincy title of Akinjagunla of Iyamoye Kingdom on General Musa in recognition of his distinguished service to the nation and contributions towards community development.
The honour, bestowed by the traditional institution and people of Iyamoye Kingdom, was also seen as an expression of appreciation for his commitment to national service and the advancement of peaceful communities.
In his response, the Minister expressed gratitude to the traditional institution and the entire people of Iyamoye Kingdom for finding him worthy of the prestigious traditional title.
He described the recognition as a significant honour and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace, unity, security and sustainable development.
General Musa also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across the country, noting that a stable environment is essential for economic activities, community development and the preservation of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
He stressed that security and development are closely interconnected, explaining that lasting prosperity can only be achieved where communities enjoy peace, stability and the confidence to pursue legitimate economic and social activities.
The Minister’s participation in the Iyamoye Day 2026 celebration further highlighted the importance of collaboration between government and traditional institutions in addressing grassroots challenges and promoting national cohesion.
The annual celebration provided an opportunity for the people of Iyamoye Kingdom to reflect on their shared history, celebrate their cultural heritage and renew their commitment to collective progress.
The Defence Minister’s message, particularly his emphasis on peace, youth empowerment and communal unity, reinforced the central theme of the celebration: that the collective strength of the people remains a vital resource for achieving growth, progress and a prosperous future.
The press release was signed by Leah Katung-Babatunde, Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Defence.
