The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria–D7G (DICON-D7G) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s domestic capacity to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity and national interests.
The corporation also urged Nigerians to embrace renewed patriotism, national unity and collective commitment toward building a stronger, more secure and prosperous Nigeria.
The Chief Executive Officer of DICON-D7G, Chennar Osman, stated this in an Independence Day message issued to journalists in Kaduna on Friday.
Osman said the 66th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence provided an opportunity for citizens to celebrate the country’s resilience while reflecting on the responsibilities required to move the nation forward.
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He felicitated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians across the country, acknowledging the sacrifices of citizens in various sectors and the efforts of the Armed Forces and other security agencies in protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
The DICON-D7G CEO stressed the importance of unity at a time when the country continues to grapple with economic, security and social challenges.
He said national development should not be regarded solely as the responsibility of government but as a collective duty requiring the participation of citizens, businesses, professionals, institutions and other stakeholders.
Osman therefore urged Nigerians to look beyond ethnic, religious, political and other differences and strengthen the shared values that bind the country together.
“Since attaining independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960, Nigeria has passed through significant political, economic and social transformations, including periods of military rule, democratic transitions and successive economic reforms.
“As the country marks another milestone in its national journey, this anniversary should remind us of the sacrifices made by previous generations and the responsibility of the present generation to preserve, strengthen and improve the nation for those coming after us,” the statement said.
DICON-D7G further expressed support for efforts aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s domestic capacity to safeguard its territorial integrity and national interests.
Osman said developing local capacity in defence and other strategic industries would not only strengthen national security but also create opportunities for Nigerian engineers, professionals, manufacturers, entrepreneurs and young people to contribute to the country’s industrial development.
He said the partnership between DICON-D7G and Eagles International for Defence Systems was being driven by the need to increase technology transfer, expand domestic manufacturing capacity and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported military hardware.
According to him, building a stronger domestic industrial base is consistent with the broader objective of developing Nigerian expertise, promoting innovation and creating sustainable opportunities for the country’s growing population of young professionals.
The statement added that the Independence Day message came amid ongoing national conversations on security, economic recovery, unemployment, infrastructure, industrialisation and institutional development.