By Ebute Mathew, Kaduna
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has raised concerns over the rising insecurity and social vices in the country, attributing them to the weakening of family structures and values.
Speaking at the launch of Exercise Haske Biyu 2025 at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, Kaduna State, the First Lady — represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima — emphasized that the neglect of parental responsibilities is endangering the nation’s stability.
Delivering the keynote address on the theme “Family and National Security”, Mrs. Tinubu warned that the growing absence of parental guidance is leaving many Nigerian youths susceptible to negative influences such as cultism, drug abuse, prostitution, and violent extremism.
“This parental absence creates a void which often gets filled by bad company and destructive behaviour. The outcome is not only catastrophic for families but also dangerous for national security,” she said.
She described the family unit as the “bedrock of society,” where young Nigerians first learn critical values such as love, respect, duty, and sacrifice, regardless of ethnic or religious backgrounds.
The first lady also called on religious and traditional leaders to intensify efforts in instilling moral discipline and promoting national unity among young people. According to her, faith-based teachings remain vital in reinforcing positive values and societal cohesion.
Mrs. Tinubu noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes family welfare. She cited the expanded Conditional Cash Transfer Program, which is set to deliver N25, 000 in three tranches to 15 million vulnerable households.
In addition, she pledged that her Renewed Hope Initiative will continue to support and complement government efforts aimed at strengthening families and promoting national peace.
She went further to say that, “I urge us all to go forward from Exercise Haske Biyu stronger, more united, and mindful of why we serve for family, for love of country, and for a more secure tomorrow”.
Earlier, Commandant of the AFCSC, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Idris Alhaji, described Exercise Haske Biyu as a bold, multi-agency collaboration to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security and improve coordination in responding to low-intensity conflicts.
Running from September 15 to October 3, the exercise brings together senior officers from security agencies, ministries, NGOs, the media, and strategic partners to build synergy and craft innovative responses to national security challenges.
AVM Alhaji said the focus on family and security was deliberate, as lasting peace must begin at the grassroots level — within homes and communities.
He outlined the programme’s highlights, which include strategic lectures, operational drills, case studies, field exercises, and a civilian engagement session tagged “A Day in the Life of a Soldier.”
The Commandant expressed hope that the outcomes of the exercise would lead to stronger inter-agency collaboration and more effective strategies in the fight against insecurity.
