A former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai has expressed strong confidence in the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu administration.
He mase the remark at the the 2025 Voice of Nigeria (VON) Forum on Tuesday in Abuja.
The forum with the theme, “Renewed Hope Agenda: Citizen Engagement and National Security” was put together by VON with support from the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
The retired Army Chief explained that unlike before, the Tinubu-led administration has made policies that have a long term effect, which will be felt in due time by Nigerians.
He hailed the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as “true renewed hope agenda under renewed hope administration”.
“Renewed Hope Agenda is fundamental. It is not like a palliative approach. This is a complete departure. And we hope that as time goes on, the impact will be felt and Nigeria will be much better.
“We need better environment for economic activities to thrive and for the society to grow. I congratulate the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Malam Jibrin Ndace for organising the forum,” Mr Buratai said.
Burutai called on Nigerians to support the Federal Government’s policies and counter the propaganda of terrorists and bandits.
According to him, citizens engagement and national security is very fundamental, stressing that such has not been formalised over the years.
He recounted how Sweden coordinated its activities which enhanced citizens engagement, that led to a national force and that also gave birth to the Navy Seal we have in the world today.
“Citizens engagement is a force multiplier, be it intelligence or cyber activities that affect our nation’s strategic assets and installations. It is important to engage the citizens, especially vibrant youths who are into cyber security.
“It is good to engage them to dispel negative information and counter damaging propaganda by terrorist and bandits. Engaging them will also help in national security.
“Also, citizens should be engage to support the policies of the government, to counter the propaganda of bandits and terrorists.
“This is because, the terrorists and bandits are also in the media space and the social media space.
“And it is good to bring them down, deal with them responsibly so that they will understand that whole nation is against the banditry and terrorism, ” Mr Buratai said.