Tinubu at TICAD9: Nigerian armed forces have shown bravery against insecurity
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday in Yokohama, Japan, praised the Nigerian armed forces for their achievements in combating insurgency and criminality.
Tinubu spoke during his plenary intervention on peace and stability at the 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9).
He described the current momentum of Nigeria’s military as a springboard for national stability and development, noting that inclusivity, diversity, and adherence to the rule of law remain the nation’s greatest strengths.
The president also noted the need to address the root causes of insecurity through strengthened government security structures and ongoing economic reforms.
“Nigeria’s brave armed forces can win any number of battles, but we honour their heroism only when the government courageously tackles not just terror, but also the causes of terror,” Tinubu said.
He highlighted the importance of peace and stability to meaningful development, referencing recent peace pacts in the Congo as evidence that combining mediation with economic incentives can yield results.
He also appealed for market-driven international cooperation, urging global partners to support reforms in the United Nations, including African representation on the security council.
Tinubu further emphasised investments in infrastructure, institutional reforms, and partnerships with civil society and international bodies to improve living standards. He called for technology to be used as a tool for peace and mutual trust, rather than division.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, speaking at the opening ceremony, pledged up to $5.5 billion in support for Africa through a collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), focusing on private sector-led growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration.
Addressing Africa’s youthful population Ishiba noted the potential for growth through manufacturing and industrial development, drawing parallels with Japan’s own economic transformation over the decades.
He stressed the importance of co-creating locally rooted solutions for sustainable development across the continent.
