CELEBRATING THE ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

BY
GEN LEO IRABOR CFR (RTD)
IN COMMEMORATION OF THE ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION
AND REMEMBRANCE DAY 2025
INTRODUCTION
- From the outset, I wish to congratulate the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the entire members of the Armed Forces family, both active and non-active duty personnel, for yet another period/day of celebration. I equally wish to remember our heroes who paid the supreme price and are no more with us. As we remember them, our hearts remain with their family members. Their contributions to the defence and security of our nation shall never be in vain. Additionally, I wish to commend the CDS, and the entire military leadership hierarchy, for the adjustment of the programme of the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day activities that has now incorporated this lecture amongst other changes. I believe it is apt as nothing done to celebrate the Armed Forces personnel is ever too much. Besides, it is essential to use every medium possible to bring awareness to the larger society on the necessity to value the members of the Armed Forces for the sacrifices they make and continue to pay in defence of our dear country. This is the practice the world over.
- This Lecture is part of the activities marking the 2025 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day. Therefore, it is not out of place to take a brief look at the beginning of the event as a tradition. The origin of Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day could be traced to 11 November 1918 which was the day of signing the Armistice of Compiegne by the Allied powers at the time, led by the United States of America (USA), with Germany, ending the World War I (WWI). It was initially called Armistice Day and later in 1954, it was renamed Veterans’ Day, which is set aside to honour military veterans. The practice was observed in all countries of the Allied powers during WWI and WW II. In the USA, Veterans’ Day is celebrated differently from Memorial Day which is a day set aside to remember military service personnel who died during the US Civil War. Equally in the USA, the active military duty personnel are specially celebrated and honoured during the Armed Forces Day. The Memorial Day and Armed Forces Day are usually celebrated in the month of May in the USA. Other countries across the world celebrate their militaries with some adaptations to dates and activities relative to their history and convenience.
- In Nigeria, the military veterans and active duty personnel are celebrated alongside the remembrance of our heroes who died during all the wars including the Nigerian Civil War. The celebration is combined and takes place on 15 January of each year. It should be recalled that Nigerian troops formed part of the British forces during WWI and II. The celebration was formerly done in sympathy with the Allied Powers calendar which is 11 November as earlier indicated. However, owing to our independence and experience of the civil war which ended on 15 January 1970, our celebration was adjusted to coincide with this date.
- This lecture is intended to lay a framework for establishing the propriety of celebrating the Armed Forces in National Development. Our national growth and development have been anchored on the pivotal contributions of the Armed Forces. The Nigeria Civil War 1967 – 1970 and the other operations are eloquent testimonies of the sacrifices of the Armed Forces towards building a virile nation. The lecture will therefore, briefly put National Development in context, highlight the role of the Armed Forces in national development and examine why the Armed Forces should be celebrated. Thereafter, it will give a brief snapshot of some notable contributions of the Armed Forces to national development, give opinion on some misconceptions of military institutions in Nigeria before looking at veterans and their employment.
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- The lecture is focused on celebrating the Armed Forces in National Development. In order to set the right context, it is essential to examine what national development is all about. This is being done without prejudice to the knowledge and understanding of the audience. It is to have a common ground for the issues being highlighted in the lecture. Accordingly, national development is the process articulated and implemented to improve the quality of life of citizens of a country across all domains. It covers growth strategy in political, economic, social, cultural, scientific, technological and other spheres. It is essentially what governance services seek to achieve. Hence, nations ensure that the strategies implemented to achieve the expected growth level are sustainable, providing the required quality of life for the citizenry. National development connotes the infrastructures, both physical and mental, and strategies deployed to create the enabling environment for citizens to actualize their set standards of well-being. The physical infrastructures include roads, railways, telecommunications, educational institutions, and sporting facilities amongst others. The mental, in part, deals with the orientation of the people to affect their behavioural patterns in support of the goals and aspirations of the State. This is partly achieved through education and other human development strategies. In all, the aim is to motivate or empower the citizens to be creative, thereby contributing immeasurably to the growth of the nation. The aggregate of the process creates a sense of inclusiveness that catalyzes the active participation of all citizens.
- It should be noted that development creates growth and positive change. In this regard, whereas a modicum of success has been achieved in Nigeria, the situation could far be better. It is in this regard that the Armed Forces continues to make substantial contributions to boost the level of development. Indeed, the contributions of the military could be far greater if the resources available are creatively harnessed and deployed. I dare say that the abundant knowledge, skills and expertise available in the Armed Forces (both active duty and veterans) are huge. They could be leveraged to boost national development. I hope to bring out some of the areas that could be considered to enhance the participation of the Armed Forces in national development activities.
ARMED FORCES IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- The role of the armed forces in national development cannot be overstated, as it represents not only the defense of a nation’s sovereignty but also an active player in shaping socio-economic growth, peace, and stability. Globally, the armed forces have historically been seen as key institutions contributing to development beyond just defense, with countries leveraging military power for economic reconstruction, peacekeeping, and infrastructure development. The United States and China have used their military capabilities to exert influence, protect national interests, and bolster national development agendas. For example, the U.S. military’s involvement in reconstruction efforts post-World War II, significantly contributed to the economic recovery of war-torn Europe through the Marshall Plan. Plan $13 billion (equivalent to over $100 billion today) was used to rebuild the continent (OECD, 2020). Similarly, China has strategically employed its military as part of its Belt and Road Initiative, with investments exceeding $4 trillion to improve infrastructure across several continents. In these contexts, the military often works in concert with civilian agencies to ensure comprehensive development.
- Looking at the African context, militaries have played pivotal roles in addressing the complex interplay of security challenges, such as civil wars, insurgencies, and terrorism. African countries like Rwanda and Ethiopia have demonstrated how armed forces, when well-equipped and properly led, can contribute significantly to post-conflict reconstruction, peacekeeping, and even economic development. Rwanda, for example, with a population of approximately 13 million, used its military to stabilize the country after the 1994 genocide, where more than 800,000 people were killed. The Rwanda Defense Forces have since contributed to both domestic and regional peace efforts, positioning the country as one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies. Similarly, Ethiopia’s military involvement in Somalia’s Al-Shabaab insurgency has bolstered security, contributing to stability and development in both countries. The African Union’s peacekeeping efforts in regions like Darfur and Somalia further demonstrate the strategic deployment of military power as a tool for regional stability and national development.
- In Nigeria, the Armed Forces have become an integral part of the national fabric, extending their influence beyond the traditional confines of defence. Since independence in 1960, the Nigerian military has played a central role in responding to internal conflicts, external threats, and national security challenges. The Nigerian military has also engaged in peacekeeping missions across Africa, solidifying its reputation as a force for peace on the continent. For instance, Nigerian soldiers have been deployed in over 30 African nations as part of peacekeeping missions under the United Nations, African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Between 1999 and 2023, Nigeria’s commitment to peacekeeping has remained pivotal, with personnel playing active roles in stabilizing conflict zones. Notably, the country contributed to the United Nations and African Union peacekeeping missions in countries like Mali, Sudan, and the Central African Republic, demonstrating its enduring commitment to international peace and security. During this period, Nigerian forces were involved in missions such as the African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA) and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) against Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin.
- The Nigerian military’s efforts to combat insurgencies like Boko Haram and other criminal elements in the northeast, northwest and other parts of the country have also been pivotal in ensuring national stability. The military’s support to the civil authority in areas like disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and infrastructure development highlights the importance of a stable and capable military in ensuring peace, prosperity, and social cohesion. The 2020 Global Peace Index reported that Nigeria’s military has been instrumental in maintaining peace and security within its borders, as the Nigerian Armed Forces continued to combat Boko Haram insurgents and mitigate the effects of terrorism. In all, the military remains a focal point in promoting an enduring national development programme.
WHY CELEBRATE OUR ARMED FORCES?
- The military institution is both the symbol and guarantor of sovereignty as earlier indicated. The National Flag represents the sovereign status of a nation and therefore the Colours of the Country. The military acts as the Ensign to the Colour that protects and defends the Colours with sweat and blood, and at the risk of paying the supreme price. This is done willingly and with consequential impacts to their entire family members. General Charles De Gaulle, a war commander, statesman, and one-time President of France, captured succinctly the place of military profession. He said, ‘Men who adopt the profession of arms submit their own free will to a law of perpetual constraints of their own accord. They reject the right to live where they choose, to say what they think, and to dress as they like. From the moment they become soldiers, they need but an order to settle them in this place, to move them to that, to separate them from their families and dislocate their normal lives. On the word of command, they must rise, march, run, endure bad weather, go without sleep or food, be isolated in some distant post, work until they drop. They have ceased to be the masters of their own fate. If they drop in their tracks, if their ashes are scattered to the four winds, that is all part and parcel of their job.’ What more can I say? The military is, in a way, ‘jack of all trades and master of all’. It is an institution that needs to be understood and nurtured for the good of the State. The psychological orientation of the military institution is unique. It is invaluable to the State. This accounts for why some nations pay premium to compulsory military service for all citizens of youthful age.
- The military engages its assigned tasks only in the interest of the state. National development cannot exist in a vacuum. This standpoint necessitated the proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on the 11 November 1919, being the first Anniversary of the Armistice Day, when he said: ‘A year ago today, our enemies laid down their arms in accordance with an armistice which rendered them impotent to renew hostilities, and gave to the world an assured opportunity to reconstruct its shattered order and to work out in peace a new and more just set of international relations’. He further stated: “we remodeled our industries, concentrated our financial resources, increased our agricultural output, and assembled a great army, so that at the last, our power was a decisive factor in the victory… Out of this victory there arose new possibilities of political freedom and economic concert. The war showed us the strength of great nations acting together for high purposes, and the victory of arms foretells the enduring conquests which can be made in peace when nations act justly and in furtherance of the common interests of men. To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service, and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of nations.’ The core of the message by President Woodrow Wilson is to the effect that the last man standing in defence of the state is the soldier. When everything fails, the soldier is to the rescue. When no one else can, the soldier can and must. The love for country drives his patriotic instincts. This is also the point that Robert McNamara made when he stated: ‘Development means security and without security, there is no development.’
- The military in Nigeria has demonstrated in theory and practice the import
of McNamara’s submission as well as the broader contemporary perspective of human security as a central theme for defining national security and development. From the defence of the nation to keeping the peace and engaging in physical infrastructural development as well as disaster mitigation and management, the Nigerian military has shown good faith. Its laudable contributions are manifest. The prospects for greater, even astronomical contributions are obvious and should be nurtured. It is, thus, apposite that this institution should be celebrated.
SOME NOTABLE CONTRIBUTIONS OF ARMED FORCES TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Section 217 mandates the Armed Forces to defend Nigeria and ensure that its sovereignty is not violated. It equally tasks the AFN to perform such other functions as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly. Within the framework contemplated by this constitutional provision, the military has been critical in infrastructural provisioning in the country. In the early years following independence, the military was involved in securing the country against external threats and internal challenges. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the military became heavily involved in internal security, particularly following the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), which led to the loss of approximately one million lives (International Committee of the Red Cross, 2021). Between 2012 and 2024, the Nigerian Armed Forces adapted to various roles, including humanitarian assistance, disaster management, and infrastructure development. In 2012, and recently in Borno State, the military took an active role in providing humanitarian relief to communities affected by floods in the country. During these efforts, the Nigerian military provided logistical support, medical aid, and security for displaced populations. Between 2015 and 2021, the military was heavily involved in the fight against the deadly Ebola outbreak, COVID-19 pandemic, assisting in quarantine enforcement and public health education efforts across West Africa. Equally, the Nigerian military has been involved in national infrastructure projects, including road construction and the rehabilitation of educational and health facilities in conflict-affected areas. This change reflects the dynamic role of the military in national development, which is no longer limited to traditional defence operations. Besides providing the security ambiance for various socio-economic and socio-political activities to be undertaken, the military has helped to boost development in very profound ways. Some of the notable contributions in this regard include:
Construction of Foldable Float Bridge during flood in Sokoto-2010
Construction of First road to Mambila Plateau-1960s
Construction of roads and bridges at Ikom and also Dredging of Ikom River -1960s
Construction of Ojuelegba road -1960s
Construction of Katabu-Pambegwa road in Kaduna-1960s
Construction of several bridges in aid to civil authorities in different parts of the Country- Post 1960
Construction of Foldable Float Bridge across River Nukai in Jalingo to replace the civil bridge that was washed away by flood -2005
Post-Service Housing Directorate under the NA constructed over 3500 houses for retired and serving officers including interested civilians across the Country
Assisted in the retrieval of bodies of the C130 crash victims at Ejigbo-1992
Helped the NAF to clear UXOs at NAF Bases -1993
Clearance and detonation of UXOs at Ikeja Cantonment-2002
More recently,
Construction of 132KVA Transmission Line for Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project- 2023
Clearing, Grading and Dredging of Pipeline Right of Way (ROW) for NNPC-2018
Construction of Bailey Bridge across River Kolami at Gombe/Bauchi State border for NNPC-2019
Construction of Bridge at Kilometer 133 along Maiduguri-Bama- Hong -Yola Road (Liman Kara)- 2021
Construction of NSDC Sugarcane Bio-Factory, USRI, Ilorin Kwara State -2023
Construction of Ijegun-Egha Tank Farm, access concrete road at Satellite Town
Lagos-2019
Construction of Asha Road around Redeem Camp near Shagamu-Lagos Express Way as a public relations project – 2019
Construction of Onitsha Township roads for Anambra State- 2019
Construction and rehabilitation of roads/bridges, erosion control for Kebbi
State-2018
Construction of Kangiwa-Niger Republic Road Box Culvert-2018
Consultancy services for the production of Engineering Design for the Rehabilitation of Birnin Gwari- Dangulbi Road in Kaduna/Zamfara States for FMWH- 2022
Construction of roads at Isuochi Abia State- 2021
Construction of township roads and bridges in Anambra State-2021
Construction of equipment and non-equipment bridges, and 35km access road at Mambila Hydroelectric Power project – 2009
- In addition to the foregoing, disaster mitigation, relief and management have been part and parcel of the military as earlier highlighted. The Nigerian Air Force has been responsible for the airlift of relief materials during the period of emergency. It has equally been prompt in advancing the diplomatic interest of Nigeria. Furthermore, the NAF continues to airlift logistics materials for different agencies of Government at critical times. The Nigerian Navy is not left out. It has served as the last resort within the maritime environment in delivering humanitarian assistance as well as support to economic activities within our territorial waters. This is in addition to the diplomatic show of flag which has boosted the influence of Nigeria around the world. Recently, there have been indications that Nigeria is about to meet its OPEC Quota for oil production. I need not state the sacrifices of the members of the Armed Forces that have made this feat possible. The concomitant spin-offs from this increase are better imagined within the overall matrix of the productive economy. These contributions must not be trivialized. Those behind this feat, I dare say, should and must be celebrated.
SOME MISCONCEPTIONS OF MILITARY INSTITUTION IN NIGERIA
- The art of fighting is an old accomplishment of mankind. The evolution of mankind and the development of societies have led to the organization of structures for the advancement of the wellbeing of man. Among this development is the organization of conventional militaries to guarantee the security of nations, Nigeria inclusive. The military therefore, is an instrument of state for upholding the sanctity of the values of the nation. However, in the course of national growth and development, the Nigerian military leadership, at some point in our history, has found itself in the political leadership of the country. Whereas the development is an aberration and not a product of the military institution, it has been a challenge for many elites in the geo-political space to understand that the military itself is the first victim of military rule in Nigeria. In this regard, the resonant narrative, inadvertently or otherwise, deepens the gorge in Civil-Military relations to the detriment of the state. This must be reversed.
- It must be reiterated that military political leadership of the country is by a select group of individuals. It must not be construed to be an institutional arrangement. This position must be understood in order to optimize the lofty contributions of the military in national development. Samuel P. Huntington advocated the theory of objective civilian control of the military. In this regard, he advocates that civil authorities should grant autonomy in the realm of military affairs. He believes that doing so will result in a professional military that is politically neutral and voluntarily subordinate to civilian control. Furthermore, Huntington noted that autonomy is not absolute. While the military has responsibility for operational and tactical decisions, civilians must decide matters of policy and grand strategy. In summary, objective control weakens the military politically. However, it actually strengthens the military’s ability to defend the society. It might be necessary to ask where we are in Nigeria on this plane of objective control and autonomy in military affairs. Our interrogation will enable us to move higher on the national growth path. It must be stated and understood that when political power is thrust on military leaders by the society, military professionalism suffers. In the end, the State suffers as it cannot endure under a situation of devalued military professionalism. Therefore, an improved or flourishing civil-military relations, which democracy provides must be relied upon to upscale the professional standing of the military. Imperatively, this serves our collective good for security and development.
- Civil-military relations, and all its offshoots, must not be adversarial in order to achieve the purpose of professional disposition of the military. Accordingly, I wish to appeal for a heightened awareness programme on the immense benefits to the State derivable from cordial and flourishing civil-military relations. The celebration of veterans and active duty personnel is a good part of the awareness programme. The Armed Forces must not be seen to be in conflict with the people. It is an ill wind to do so. The military exists for the good of the state and its citizens. The public must resist any attempt to convey the impression that the military is responsible for the order of the nation or the perspective that the military is working against the interest of the people. Such a view is deceptive. Any misdemeanor by individual military service personnel should not be construed to be institutional behaviour. The military institution already has established disciplinary protocols to address issues bothering personnel that cross professional boundaries. There could be, and certainly there are, challenges with the military institution. However, there are institutional mechanisms designed to address them in due deference to the norms of objective civil control of the military. Our collective aspiration should be to have the optimum effectiveness of the military in national growth and development and not otherwise.
VETERANS AND THEIR EMPLOYMENT
- Veteran affairs have been on the front burner in recent times. The President of the Federal Republic recently signed the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service for the Armed Forces. Many of the issues contained therein affect veterans. Additionally, there has been a desire to enact the Veterans Association Bill to address some of the administrative issues affecting Veterans. There have also been peaceful protests by veterans to prevail on the Federal Government to pay accrued benefits. In all these, I am confident that the Federal Government is doing all that is possible to comprehensively address the outstanding issues. The attention given to veterans could impact the morale and effectiveness of the active duty personnel, since active personnel will sometime in the future become veterans. I am glad that the Federal Government understands this position, hence the attention being given currently.
- The advocacy for greater celebrations of the Armed Forces, serving and active duty personnel, is to the end of boosting the contributions to national development. It bears repetition to state that the soldier is sold out completely to the State for life. The training and specialized skills of the soldier are of utmost value to the state. In this context, veterans can play very significant roles in national development. The unique skills, aptitudes and varied experiences acquired during active service could be deployed effectively. Discipline and leadership training are equally invaluable. The sense of duty and patriotic disposition of the veteran could serve useful purposes in different sectors of the Nigerian economy.
- In the area of security, veterans could serve as part of the early warning systems in various parts of the country where they are domiciled. This they could do by leveraging the skills acquired from active military service. If properly organized, veterans could equally serve as part of the team of first responders to security threats in various communities. They could equally assist in security policy development at the community level. The value of a stable local community within the overall national security and defence architecture cannot be over-emphasized. The veterans could continue to serve as part of local law enforcement or civil defence and emergency services. Additionally, they could be part of key leadership engagement teams in our Local Government Areas. In this regard, they could help strengthen ties in our communities, promote social cohesion and build partnerships with other stakeholders, thereby enhancing overall national development.
- Furthermore, veterans could be highly invaluable in some classified programmes of Government in the areas of technology, innovation and industrialization. The knowledge and skills of veterans, combined with their disciplined mindset could serve in addressing the gaps in science, engineering, cyberspace concerns, healthcare, technological innovations and other high-end national infrastructures. Currently, the harnessing of these skills and resources among veterans is far short of expectations. I am of the view that a focused engagement policy of Government in this direction could deliver the much needed drive for our national quest for industrialization and technological innovation.
SUGGESTED WAYS OF CELEBRATING THE ARMED FORCES
- The point has been made that every attempt to celebrate the Armed Forces impacts positively on the morale and effectiveness of personnel. Ultimately, the effective performance of the personnel translates to higher dividends in national development. There is no doubt that efforts are being made to celebrate the Armed Forces, the current occasion is one of them. However, the impact could be boosted in so many ways such that the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is not seen as just one of those events. Accordingly, the following are suggested for consideration.
- Special Support for Wounded and Disabled Veterans. The plight of servicemen and women who are wounded or disabled leaves a heartbreaking tale in the minds of everyone. This could indirectly demoralize serving personnel. It could even make veterans to go into depression for possible regrets of patriotic services rendered to the nation. To redress this, it is suggested that special support could be organized for better care of wounded and disabled active-duty and retired military personnel. I am aware of the on-going construction of the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder facility and the Invictus Games project. It is very essential that these projects are completed, fully furnished,
well-equipped and properly manned, sustained and well publicized for the benefit of the Armed Forces. The projects will also improve the perception of the Federal Government and the nation in general, as a grateful people for patriotic services rendered. - Comprehensive Healthcare Programme for Veterans. The greatest need for veterans is healthcare. The quality of life of veterans depreciates daily when juxtaposed with the inflationary trends. Even with prompt payment of monetary entitlements, the value pales when healthcare-related issues are tied to the disposable income of the veteran. Currently, the Defence Healthcare Insurance policy for personnel is not comprehensive. So many ailments and medical cases are not covered in the policy. This is a major issue that must be looked into. The special and very arduous conditions that military personnel are exposed to during active service, predispose them to all kinds of medical conditions. This is made worse in retirement. A special-purpose vehicle for a Comprehensive Healthcare for veterans will be invaluable in addressing this challenge.
- Developing a Culture of Expressing Gratitude. It would be soul-lifting for active-duty and veterans to know and experience a culture of citizens expressing gratitude for their invaluable service to the nation. It is a culture that exists in some other jurisdictions. Accordingly, it is suggested that a programme is instituted to help develop a citizens culture of expressing gratitude to service personnel. The culture should become part of our public life. It would encourage the youth to join the military and give their best to the nation.
- Prompt Payment of all Entitlements. The payments of entitlements to serving and retired personnel are critical to the morale and survival of personnel. The ugly sights of veterans’ protest, though contrary to military discipline and ethos, owing to lack of payments of entitlements, must not be allowed to fester. This could also potentially engender feelings of resentment in active duty personnel, especially seeing the despicable treatment meted out to veterans. This shameful act should end forthwith with the payment of all accrued entitlements.
- Appreciation Rebates for all Local Flights and Public Transportation. All active-duty and veterans should be given reasonable rebates on all local flights and movements in public transportation systems. Attempts on this programme in the past have not been well coordinated. They have been disparate in execution. It would be necessary to fashion out a more enduring programme to achieve the programme. Specifically, the ongoing discourse around the recent Tax Reform Bill should have provisions institutionalizing tax rebates for veterans.
- Subsidized Housing Programme. The housing needs for personnel after service are huge and daunting. Although the various Services have developed programmes to assist personnel, the outcome has not relieved the financial burden on the men. The cost implications of the Services could have been a major challenge in the execution of the welfare programme. To redress this issue, a coordinated special programme by the Federal Government to subsidize the cost of owning affordable houses by personnel should be instituted. A suggested 10-year counter-part funding plan for all personnel to own a house in place of their choice could be a starting point. The recent effort of the Nigerian Army leadership to address the housing needs of serving personnel through the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOA) Scheme should also be sustained.
- Establishment of Foundations for Veterans with Special Needs. The Federal Government could establish foundations and encourage the private sector, philanthropists and other public-spirited individuals to donate to the cause of veterans with special needs. The Foundation could be managed and monitored by a Board with representation of veterans.
CONCLUSION
- The Armed Forces of Nigeria have been contributing to national development since its formation. The contributions have extended beyond the conventional realm of defence and security of the nation to encompass infrastructural development, humanitarian support services, international peacekeeping and peace enforcement, boosting the country’s diplomatic influence and networks amongst others. The Lecture has highlighted the various contributions that the Armed Forces have made towards national development. It has also detailed what more could be done by active-duty and retired military personnel to enhance national development.
- The Armed Forces personnel can do more in the interest of the State. To this end, greater autonomy is required. Furthermore, celebrating the Armed Forces personnel beyond their current status could significantly boost the morale of the Armed Forces to contribute more to national development. Suggestions have been made as to how the Armed Forces could be further celebrated and appreciated in order to encourage personnel. I am hopeful that some of these suggestions would be assessed and implemented as a pathway to enhancing quality contributions of the Armed Forces to national development. On this note, I wish to commend the CDS, the entire leadership hierarchy of the Armed Forces and all personnel for the success being achieved in the course of duty. I wish everyone happy celebrations.