Tinubu pledges whole-of-society approach to security, commends Irabor at book launch
By: Zagazola Makama
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to a whole-of-society approach in tackling insecurity, stressing that peace must be won both on the battlefield and sustained through citizen participation.
Tinubu stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the launch of “Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum”, a memoir authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd). The President was represented at the event by the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar.
The President said his presence, through the Defence Minister, was not as a stand-in but a mark of his administration’s deep respect for service and sacrifice.
“It gives me great honour to be part of today’s ceremony to celebrate one of our nation’s finest. This occasion is both a 60th birthday celebration and the unveiling of a timely and thought-provoking book that tackles one of the most pressing challenges facing our nation – insecurity.
“The book we unveil today is more than a literary compilation. It is a call for reflection, a source of insight, and a potential catalyst for change. Through its pages, we are invited to explore the root causes of insecurity, examine its manifestations, and consider pathways to a safer, more united, and resilient Nigeria,” Tinubu said.
He described Irabor’s career as a demonstration of intellect, vision, and resolve, noting his leadership as Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, his tenure as Commander of the Multi-National Joint Task Force, and his service as the 17th Chief of Defence Staff, where he institutionalised synergy among the armed services.
According to the President, the author’s military record embodied the essence of service, showing that leadership in war is not only about firepower but also about pragmatism and foresight.
“General Irabor’s book is not only history. It provides guidance for the present and serves as a roadmap for the future. A scar tells a story; it reminds us of pain but it also proves that survival is possible.
“The scars we carry as a nation are evidence of our resilience. They remind us of the sacrifices of our heroes past – soldiers, displaced families and communities. This book challenges us to learn from those experiences and to build a safer and more stable tomorrow,” he said.
Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration was strengthening the military with modern platforms, improved intelligence-gathering capacity, and deeper regional partnerships to boost collective security.
“With modern platforms and relevant technology, we are also stimulating intelligence-gathering capability and deepening regional partnership to boost collective security.
“We are investing in a whole-of-the-society approach to security so that peace is not only won on the battlefield, but sustained in daily life with participation of citizens. Let all Nigerians be aware that we will not rest until we defeat all indices of instability,” he said.
The President also commended Irabor for his dedication and commitment to national service and intellectual engagement, describing the book as a reminder that scars are both warnings and lessons.
“This work is a testament to the power of ideas and the importance of practical and intellectual engagement in addressing the challenges of our time.
“Every scar is both a warning and a lesson that teaches us never to forget the cause of peace and never to abandon the past,” he added.
The book launch drew dignitaries including former President Goodluck Jonathan, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, serving and retired military chiefs, members of the diplomatic corps and other eminent Nigerians.
