The President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin Musa attended the opening ceremony of the African chiefs of Defence Staff summit with wives of service chiefs and the wife of the Inspector with members of the various associations The event was held on 25 August 2025 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, Nigeria.
The high-level summit brought together African Chiefs of Defence leaders to deliberate on strategies for addressing security challenges across the continent. Discussions centred on strengthening collective action, enhancing collaboration in peace and security efforts, and fostering private sector participation in defence initiatives.
In his opening remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, stressed the need for African nations to adopt a united front in tackling complex and evolving security threats. He highlighted the importance of harmonizing doctrines and building trust among defence institutions.
General Musa also underscored the critical role of regional frameworks such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union’s Peace and Security Architecture in advancing African-led solutions to peace and security challenges. He called on member states to remain proactive, resilient, and responsive in safeguarding the continent against emerging threats.
Delivering his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour (SGOH) His Excellency President Ahmed Tinubu GCFR was ably represented by the Vice President of Nigeria Kashim Shettima GCON declared the summit open with an impassioned call for continental unity beyond borders. He described the event as a “historic gathering of Africa’s guardians united by destiny rather than geography” and warned that Africa’s myriad threats from insurgency in the deserts to piracy on the seas and cybercrime in the digital space, respect no boundaries. “Our response, therefore, must transcend borders,” he said.
The Vice President called for a new doctrine of continental defence rooted in trust, intelligence-sharing, joint training, harmonised doctrines, and interoperable systems. He urged African nations to embrace cyber defence, artificial intelligence, indigenous defence innovation, and military-industrial collaboration. “Africa must not remain consumers of technology; we must become creators and owners of the tools that will secure our tomorrow,” he declared, urging private sector investment in defence as a strategic necessity.
Paying tribute to the sacrifices of African soldiers, Shettima proposed the institutionalisation of an African Chiefs of Defence Forum to serve as a permanent platform for dialogue, cooperation, and operational coordination. He urged African leaders to rise above divisions and build a continent where peace becomes the norm, the language of war yields to progress, and dignity is secured by collective resolve. The keynote address was delivered Ms, Amina J. Muhammed the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations. Highlights of the occasion was the presentation of souvenirs to the SGOH and group photographs.
