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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd) and the Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, have said quality education, active citizenship and community cooperation with security agencies remain critical tools in the fight against banditry, terrorism and other security challenges confronting the country.
They spoke yesterday during the commissioning of the Kaduna Christian Academy, a faith-based school donated to the Kaduna Christian community by the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi and his friends.
Describing the academy as a strategic non-kinetic intervention, the minister said national defence extends beyond military deployments, intelligence gathering and air power, stressing that lasting security could only be achieved through the defeat of ignorance and hopelessness.
“When we speak of national defence, the instinct is to focus on boots on the ground, air power or intelligence gathering. However, true and lasting security is anchored on one critical element – the defeat of ignorance and the conquest of hopelessness. This school is a weapon of mass instruction in the right hands,” he said.
Musa commended the DSS for complementing its traditional security role with community development initiatives, noting that the agency had demonstrated that internal security is not only about surveillance and arrests but also about winning public confidence and building a better future.
He said an educated and enlightened population offers a stronger defence against extremism, criminality and social instability than force alone, adding that the school would provide children with academic knowledge, critical thinking skills and sound moral values.
The minister urged parents to prioritise their children’s education, recalling his humble background and stressing that every child possesses the potential to rise to the highest positions in society through hard work, education and divine grace.
According to him, insecurity thrives where opportunities are lacking, making investments in education one of the most effective ways of preventing the recruitment of young people into criminal and extremist networks.
He noted that Kaduna State had recorded significant improvements in security and governance through the combined efforts of the Federal Government, the state government and local communities, while commending Governor Sani for promoting inclusion, development and peaceful coexistence.
He also praised the resilience and peaceful disposition of the people of Southern Kaduna, urging them to resist attempts by divisive elements to undermine unity and harmony in the area.
The minister emphasised that security agencies alone cannot defeat bandits and terrorists without citizens’ support, warning that many criminal groups rely on local collaborators for information, logistics and other assistance.
“If we keep quiet, they will continue to destroy us. But if we speak out, they will not have any space to survive,” he said, urging residents to provide timely and credible intelligence to security agencies.
He maintained that while military operations remain necessary, non-kinetic measures such as education, community engagement and social development are equally vital to securing lasting peace, noting that a literate society is better able to reject extremist ideologies and support security efforts.
He described the academy as a symbol of interfaith harmony and national unity, urging the management, teachers and community leaders to protect the facility, maintain high academic standards and encourage civic participation, including voter registration and active involvement in the democratic process.
This was even as the Kaduna State Government reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to quality education, describing investment in learning as critical to the state’s future development.
Governor Sani made the declaration through the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, James Kanyip.
“Education remains one of the most powerful tools for personal, human, capital and social development. Every classroom built creates opportunities for learning. Every child educated strengthens our communities. And every investment in education contributes to a more prosperous future for our state and the nation.
“It is a great honour and privilege to represent Senator Uba Sani, the Governor of Kaduna State, at the commissioning of this impressive educational facility established by the Christian Academy Management.
“I bring warm greetings and congratulations of His Excellency to the management, staff, students, parents and all stakeholders, whose commitment and sacrifice have made this project a reality,” he said.
Kanyip said the commissioning represented more than the opening of a new structure, describing it as a symbol of hope and opportunity.
“Today, we are not merely opening a new building. We are celebrating hope, opportunity and transformation,” he stated.
According to him, the facility demonstrates a collective commitment to investing in the future of children and strengthening society through education.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria for the 19 northern states and the FCT, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, described education as one of the most effective tools for tackling insecurity, poverty and social challenges in Nigeria.
“Today is more than the opening of a school building. Today is the opening of doors to opportunity, doors to knowledge, doors to growth and a brighter future for our children,” he said.
According to him, many communities continue to face challenges in accessing quality education due to inadequate facilities, limited learning materials and economic hardship.
“Today, we stand together to declare that every child, regardless of background, deserves access to quality education, moral guidance and the opportunity to dream big,” Hayab stated.
He explained that Kaduna Christian Academy was founded not only to pursue academic excellence but also to build strong moral values among learners.
“Kaduna Christian Academy is founded not only to provide academic excellence but also to nurture discipline, character, faith, leadership and compassion,” he said.
