By Elizabeth Tanko
Ogun State, Nigeria — The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has urged the private sector to invest in the intelligence, creativity and productive capacity of Nigerian youths as a strategic tool for enhancing national security.
Gen. Shaibu made the call during a working visit to Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited (EPAIL) in Ogun State.
The statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele stated that according to him, Nigeria’s youthful population is a critical national asset that when harnessed through targeted investment, mentorship and skills development, can provide innovative solutions to the country’s security challenges while creating jobs.
He said developing indigenous technological capability is essential to reducing dependence on foreign imports and building a sustainable domestic defence industrial base to meet operational needs of the Armed Forces.
The COAS stressed that strategic collaboration between the Army, local manufacturers and the private sector will accelerate technology development, enhance operational effectiveness and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to protect its national interests.
He commended EPAIL for building a highly skilled, youthful workforce producing world-class protective equipment for the military and other security agencies, noting that such investments will boost troop protection, operational readiness, industrial growth and technological innovation.
Earlier, Chairman/CEO of EPAIL, Engineer Kola Balogun, commended the COAS for sustaining pressure on criminal elements nationwide and affirmed the company’s capacity to supply quality protective equipment tailored to operational needs of security agencies.
