Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika (retd), has called on the Federal Government to introduce mandatory military training for all Nigerians, starting with participants of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), as a way to tackle insecurity and deepen national unity.
Speaking during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Regular Course 18 Alumni Association in Abuja on Friday night, Ihejirika emphasized that discipline, sacrifice, and patriotism can only be instilled through structured military orientation.
“Given the current situation of things in our country, I believe it’s time we start thinking about mandatory military training for our citizens. We can start with the National Youth Service. This will help us build a generation of Nigerians who understand sacrifice, responsibility, and patriotism,” he stated.
Ihejirika, who served as Chief of Army Staff from 2010 to 2014, reflected on how military training shaped his life and career, noting that the values he learned early in service fueled his dedication to national development.
He further lent his voice in support of the Federal Government’s decision to restore the old national anthem, praising its message of unity.
“The line, ‘Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand’ perfectly captures the essence of national service and shared identity,” he said, while lamenting that the anthem is losing visibility in schools and public functions.
The retired General also shared his personal story of rising from humble beginnings in Abia State, underscoring how military discipline transformed his worldview and prepared him for leadership.
Commending the current leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Ihejirika noted that today’s officers possess real combat experience from operations in conflict zones like Liberia and Sierra Leone, which he described