The new Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Kana has stated that one of his aspirations for the Ministry is to see to the deployment of more military personnel alongside their civilian counterparts to take up key positions in the Ministry The Trumpet gathered.
He stated this on Wednesday when he paid his maiden visit to the Defence Headquarters, where he met separately with the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Navy. Adding that the right mix of civilians and military personnel working side-by-side at the Ministry of Defence will reduce the bottlenecks usually experienced in handling and treating official matters affecting the Services while also enhancing cooperation and collaboration.
Dr Kana further stated that under his watch, special attention will be given towards improving the standards of education and healthcare in schools and medical facilities run by the military, due to the critical roles these infrastructures play in enhancing morale among troops.
He also emphasized the need for improved synergy especially now that the various Services continue to expand in sizes and roles as well as delve into each other’s responsibilities and expertise.
“As the Services expand and delve into each other’s expertise, the need for synergy and cooperation is expedient,” he noted.
Dr Kana also averred that surmounting the security challenges confronting the country requires whole-of-society and multi-disciplinary approach. He enjoined all stakeholders to mobilise in support of the military and security agencies who are at the forefront of ensuring Nigeria’s national security.
While assuring the military of the support of the Ministry of Defence in the fight against terrorism and other contemporary security challenges, he said the Armed Forces remain a vital arm of the ministry and also a leading institution in the national security architecture of the nation.
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The seasoned technocrat pledged to sustain ongoing reforms in the military and foster seamless collaboration to fast track the restoration of peace and tranquillity in troubled areas of the country.
Dr Kana commended the effort and resilience of troops and pilots in the ongoing fight against terrorism and other security challenges in the country while disclosing the ministry’s desire to ensure provision of quality education for children and wards of military personnel by repositioning Command Primary and Secondary Schools across formations and Units. This, he said, will further boost the morale and fighting will of the troops.
In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya congratulated Dr Kana on his appointment as the Perm Sec, Ministry of Defence. Noting that both the Army and the ministry enjoy a functional working relationship and sued for its sustenance. Gen Yahaya expressed appreciation for the Perm Sec’s willingness to support the NA in the execution of its constitutional mandate.
On his part, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, while welcoming the new Perm Sec, congratulated him on his appointment and assured him of NAF’s readiness to support him towards a successful tour of duty.
He noted that going by the impeccable milestone achieved by the Perm Sec as noted in his citation, the needed synergy between the Services and the ministry would be much better.
The CAS further stated that the culture of jointness in all operations has come to stay amongst the Armed Forces. He, however, added that because the solution to the current security challenges requires a whole-of-society approach, the Armed Forces would require the support of the Perm Sec and the Ministry of Defence.
