The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, says harnessing youth energy, creativity is central to sustainable peace, cohesion and development.
Musa stated this at the public presentation of the book, ” Serving the Nation: Exploring Mandatory Military Service for Nigerian Youths” on Friday in Abuja.
Musa, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Special Duties in the Office of the Minister, Col. George Usibe. appreciated Sprezzatura Publishing Ltd and commended the author, Dr Mohammed Abubakar for his scholarly contribution.
The minister added that the contributions has provided a platform for reflection on the role of national service in shaping civic responsibility and nation building.
“The presentation of a work such as this is timely. Nations are strengthened not only by the capabilities of their institutions but also by the depth of reflection that informs their policies.
“In Nigeria, where our greatest asset is our youthful population, conversations that explore pathways for harnessing youth energy, creativity and patriotism are central to sustainable peace, cohesion and development.
“This publication therefore arrives as a thoughtful contribution to an ongoing national conversation on service, responsibility and nation building,” Musa said.
He further explained that approaches to national service varied from country to country.
Musa added that, while a number of countries maintained mandatory military service as part of their defence architecture, a larger proportion operated professional volunteer armed forces supported by civic national service and reserve systems.
“This diversity reflects a fundamental reality that national service models are shaped by context including constitutional arrangements, security environments, economic capacity and societal expectations.
“Equally instructive is the global experience that contemporary security challenges such as insurgency and terrorism are not determined solely by manpower models,” he said.
Also the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, who was represented by Lt.-Col. Samuel Sanaje commended the author for coming out with a good opinion in the book.
Also speaking, an expert, Dr AK Peters presented a comparative analysis on mandatory military service in Finland, South Korea and Israel.
According to him, mandatory service must not become exploitation and it must not become politicised.
“It must be structured to build, not burden, the youth. If designed poorly, it creates resentment. If designed well, it becomes a powerful nation-building tool.
“Conclusion from Finland, we learn the power of reserves and preparedness. From South Korea, we learn the strength of shared obligation. From Israel, we learn how service can shape innovation and national identity.
“Nigeria must not copy blindly. We must adapt wisely.
“Mandatory military service, if anchored in fairness, skill development, national integration, and strong governance, can strengthen national security, empower our youth, promote unity, enhance resilience,” he said
Dr Tijani Saraki, an expert said the idea of mandatory military service in Nigeria is not about militarising society, but nation building, discipline and national cohesion.
He stated that there was the need to confront headlong insurgency, banditry, kidnappings, separatist tension and translational criminal networks across the country.
Meanwhile, the author of the book, Dr Mohammed Abubakar said the book, affectionately known as the “TY Buratai Book”, is dedicated to the illustrious retired Lt.-Gen TY Buratai.
According to him, Buratai’s contributions to Nigeria’s military and security landscape are highly revered.
“Nigeria faces numerous security challenges; from insurgency and terrorism to banditry and armed group threats.
“In addressing these challenges, I drew inspiration from countries like Finland, Israel, South Korea, and Singapore, which empower their youths through mandatory military service, instilling patriotism, discipline, and defense readiness.
“A survey conducted during the course of researching this book revealed that 73.1 per cent of Nigerians believe that mandatory military service is necessary for Nigerian youths.
“And 79.7 per cent believe that it will address the pressing security challenges confronting Nigeria,” Abubakar said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 12 chapter, 228 pages book was published by Sprezzatura Publishing Ltd.
The General Manager, Sprezzatura Publishing Ltd, Mr Philip Ikodor, lauded the author for a thorough job done on the book. (NAN)
