The Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence and Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for what he described as “remarkable improvements in national security” since the President assumed office.
Speaking during a strategic familiarisation tour of the 63 Brigade Nigerian Army in Asaba, Delta State, and the 16 Brigade Nigerian Army in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the senator praised President Tinubu’s dedication to the safety of Nigerians, citing increased military funding and the results achieved so far in curbing insecurity across various regions of the country.
According to Senator Joel-Onowakpo, the President’s strategic policies and increased budgetary allocation to the Nigerian Armed Forces over the past two years have yielded tangible results in tackling insurgency, terrorism, and other security challenges. While acknowledging that more work still lies ahead, he emphasized that the progress made so far is undeniable and commendable.
“I want to commend the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, who has done exceptionally well in curbing insurgency in various parts of the country over the last two years,” the senator said. “Although there is still much to be done concerning the security of lives and property, the improvements we see today are the result of deliberate and committed efforts by this administration.”
He lauded the men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces for their sacrifices, noting that they remain at the frontline in safeguarding national unity and stability. He urged the military to continue in its mission of confronting pipeline vandalism, kidnapping, and farmers-herders clashes, particularly in the Niger Delta and other affected regions.
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The senator’s words were not just limited to commendations. He encouraged the Armed Forces to stay resolute, reassuring them that the National Assembly, the President, and indeed all Nigerians are firmly behind them in their efforts to secure the nation. “I want to encourage you to continue giving your best, as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the National Assembly, and indeed the entire nation, stand solidly behind you,” he affirmed.
On civic participation, Senator Joel-Onowakpo made a passionate call to citizens to support security agencies, stressing that national security is a shared responsibility. “If you see something, say something,” he urged, highlighting the crucial role of community cooperation in maintaining law and order.
Beyond security, the senator also used the opportunity to reinforce President Tinubu’s vision for local content development. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, Senator Joel-Onowakpo commended the military for its efforts in employing direct labour and engaging local contractors in their operations. He described this as a strategic move towards capacity building and job creation, aligning with the President’s commitment to reducing unemployment and promoting indigenous participation in national development.
“As industry operators, we cannot continue to blame the federal government for unemployment while enabling those who seek to circumvent the law,” he said. “We all share this responsibility. Never again should jobs meant for our citizens be outsourced to expatriates.”
In response, Brigadier General Moronfolu A. Shonibare of the 63 Brigade Nigerian Army Asaba and Sector 1 Joint Task Force South South Operation Delta Safe, thanked the senator for his visit and assured him of the military’s unrelenting commitment to the security and defence of Nigeria.
Similarly, Brigadier General Oluremi O. Obolo of the 16 Brigade Nigerian Army Yenagoa and Sector 2 Joint Task Force, commended the senator for his active support since his appointment as Senate Committee Chairman on Local Content. He noted visible improvements in local engagement and resource utilization in military projects and operations.
The familiarisation tour not only strengthened civil-military collaboration but also gave Senator Joel-Onowakpo firsthand insight into the operational challenges and resource needs of the Nigerian Army in the South-South region. According to aides, the senator is determined to use this knowledge to champion policy reforms and drive increased support for the Armed Forces.
