President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday commended the gallantry of Nigeria’s armed forces in the ongoing fight against insurgency and criminality, stressing that sustainable peace requires addressing the root causes of insecurity through reforms and inclusive governance.
The President spoke at the plenary session on Peace and Stability during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama, where he underscored Nigeria’s commitment to institutional reforms, infrastructure investment, and collaboration with international partners.
“Our brave armed forces can win many battles, but we can only do justice to their heroism when governments are courageous in tackling not just terror, but also the causes of terror,” Tinubu said.
He described inclusivity, diversity, and adherence to the rule of law as Nigeria’s enduring strengths, adding that the current momentum within the armed forces would serve as a springboard for national stability and development.
President Tinubu also urged African nations to embrace market-driven cooperation rather than reliance on aid, while renewing Nigeria’s call for reforms at the United Nations to grant Africa permanent representation on the Security Council in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration.
On technology, the President advocated stronger international cooperation to ensure innovation is used as a tool for peace and trust rather than division.
Earlier, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba pledged up to $5.5 billion in support for Africa through a new collaborative framework between Japan and the African Development Bank.
The initiative will leverage the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) private sector investment finance to drive sustainable growth.
Highlighting Japan’s priorities, Ishiba said TICAD 9 will focus on private sector-led sustainable growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration.
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He also drew attention to Japan’s demographic challenges and shrinking farmland, urging African nations to strengthen manufacturing and employment opportunities for their youthful population.
In Africa, the power of young people can only flourish when we create industries and employment. That is very important to realise the full potential of Africa’s manufacturing sector,” Ishiba said.
President Tinubu welcomed Japan’s commitment and pointed to recent peace initiatives in the Congo as evidence that linking mediation efforts with economic development could deliver lasting stability across the continent.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
