The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Musa Christopher Gwabin, has emphasized the indispensable link between national security, food productivity, and a robust nutritional system, asserting that sustainable food production and effective nutritional systems are unattainable without a secure environment. This declaration was made during the unveiling ceremony of the “Food Security and Sports Diplomacy” initiative, organized by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in commemoration of the 2025 United Nations World Nutrition Month. The event took place at the Rahman Bello Hall (lecture theatre), University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos.
In a keynote address delivered on behalf of the CDS who was ably represented by the Commandant of the Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Vice Air Marshal Bashir Rimi Mamman, appreciation was conveyed to SWAN for the invitation. VAM Mamman acknowledged the CDS’s inability to attend due to pressing national security issues.
He lauded SWAN for its “exceptional courage and advocacy” in drawing national attention to the nexus between security, nutrition, sports, and national development. He noted that SWAN’s efforts have amplified critical conversations around food security, youth health, and community wellness, leveraging excellence in sports journalism. He particularly commended SWAN’s role in highlighting sports diplomacy as a tool for uniting communities, promoting peace, and fostering holistic well-being.
“Regrettably, ongoing conflicts and environmental degradation have singularly disrupted agricultural activities, leading to food insecurity across Nigeria,” the CDS’s representative stated, stressing that this challenge threatens the nation’s food supply and overall stability.
He detailed significant kinetic and non-kinetic efforts by the Nigerian Armed Forces, in collaboration with other sister security agencies, to address insecurity nationwide. Kinetic operations highlighted include: Operation Hadin Kai against Boko Haram in the Northeast; Operation Fashe Yama to tackle banditry in the Northwest; the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Basin; Operation Safe Haven to address communal violence and banditry in the Middle Belt; Operation Widescope against persecution and hostage-taking in specific regions; Operation Delta Safe to protect oil installations, prevent theft, and combat militancy in the Niger Delta; and the Deep Blue Security Initiative to secure Nigerian waters from pirates. Other operations like Operation Tawagi and Operation MESA in Lagos were also mentioned.
Beyond these direct military engagements, the Armed Forces are actively involved in civil-military cooperation, building trust and partnerships with local communities. A notable non-kinetic effort mentioned was the launch of the Defence Farm and Agro-Allied Products Initiative. This program aims to reclaim ungoverned spaces by establishing military-managed farms in previously insecure areas, thereby boosting local food production, reducing import dependence, and enhancing self-sufficiency.
These initiatives, he affirmed, align with the federal government’s broader efforts to address food security challenges and reflect the military’s commitment to national development.
The representative also underscored the unifying power of sports, citing the recent successful hosting of the All-African Military Games in Kaduna, which saw over 40 African militaries in attendance. This event, he stated, demonstrates the Armed Forces’ commitment to fostering unity among African nations and underscores the Nigerian military’s recognition of the interconnectedness of security, food production, nutrition, and sports diplomacy in national development.
Concluding his remarks, he expressed appreciation to SWAN for organizing the event and for recognizing recipients of the Sports Distinguished Service Award on Sports, Diplomacy, and Security. He affirmed the Nigerian Armed Forces’ full support for the campaign on security and nutrition, acknowledging its role in national wellness, and extended gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering leadership.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Convener and Chairman of SWAN, Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni, emphasized that a critical aspect of food, security, health, safety, nutrition, and environment must be integrated to enable social development. She added that a productive economy, social security, and proper hygiene and dietetics habits are integral components of human existence.