President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday promised to take Nigeria to the next level despite the nation’s challenges.
Buhari made the promise in his remark at the induction of the Nigerian Air Force’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Tsaigumi, in Kaduna.
A copy of his speech was made available to journalists by the Presidency’s media office.
The President said his administration was determined to overcome all the challenges militating against the country’s security and development.
He appealed to Nigerians to support his administration to achieve its objectives.
Buhari said, “Let me again reiterate our commitment and firm resolve to take this nation to the next level.
“We remain determined to overcome all challenges to our security and development as a nation.
“I enjoin all well-meaning Nigerians to join hands with us to make our collective dreams of greatness a reality.”
The President said his government was committed to delivering the much-needed change that would make the difference in the nation.
“The Government remains determined despite numerous challenges to bring about the much-needed change that will lift our beloved nation to its rightful place as a major economic and political force on the world stage,” he added.
He reiterated his New Year’s Day broadcast to the nation that his administration had designed projects that would overhaul national infrastructure and overcome the deficit in the area.
“The role of the military as an enabler of national development cannot be overemphasised, as efforts would be futile if national security is not first guaranteed.
“In this regard, let me once more commend the gallant men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for their tireless efforts towards defeating Boko Haram and all other threats to our nation’s security, thus ensuring that the government can proceed with its developmental activity without hindrance,” he added.
Buhari commended the NAF for the innovation, saying the significance of the accomplishment could not be overestimated.
He noted that the world was resorting to the use of unmanned vehicles in military operations because while the standard air weapons such as missiles, fighters and bombers work against well-defined targets like conventional enemy forces or installations, they are not as useful in today’s complex wars that are fought against adversaries who are often hidden amongst innocent populations or in locations similarly sensitive or difficult to strike by normal conventional means.
He said the employment of unmanned vehicles for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and strike operations significantly increased the chance of success while minimising unwanted collateral damage.
The President said it was most gratifying that the Nigerian Air Force had gone a step further by developing unmanned vehicles with indigenous technology.
The accomplishment, which he described as outstanding, according to him, held promise of both military and economic benefit to the nation.
“From the military perspective, the added capacity for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance provided by the Tsaigumi will boost the ongoing and future security operations.
“As this project moves into the next stage, which is mass production, it would create employment and possibly generate revenue as Nigeria’s first military export product.
He added, “The attainment of this technological feat is an indication that there is indeed potential to similarly apply the same innovative mindset to addressing other areas of indigenous technological need.
“While I commend the Nigerian Air Force for this accomplishment, I enjoin you not to rest on this achievement but to strive harder in your research and development efforts for greater innovation.
“Be assured of this administration’s support towards the attainment of greater technological milestones for our nation.”.
