Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.), has stressed that Nigeria’s path out of its present challenges lies in raising citizens who embody discipline, loyalty, and resilience.

Naijaonpoint reports that Marwa made the remarks in Abuja on Saturday during the 38th-anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Military School (NMS) Class of 1982.

Marwa, himself an alumnus of NMS, tied his reflections on the school’s values to Nigeria’s current struggles, insisting that character is as vital as weapons in securing the nation’s future.

“Our country today needs more than soldiers with weapons. She needs citizens with character, men and women armed with courage, loyalty, discipline, and resilience,” he said.

His comments come at a time when the country faces multiple challenges, ranging from insecurity and economic instability to social fragmentation and declining trust in public institutions.

The NDLEA boss commended the NMS Class of 1982 for producing two serving service chiefs, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar.

He described the achievement as historic and a testament to the values instilled by the institution.

Marwa also praised the group for giving back to their alma mater through various projects, which he said symbolised enduring loyalty and gratitude.

Founded in 1954, the Nigerian Military School, Zaria, has produced countless military officers and public servants who have played significant roles in nation-building.

Marwa highlighted the enduring impact of institutions like NMS, noting that their training goes beyond producing soldiers to nurturing citizens equipped with the inner strength to lead with integrity.

“The values of discipline, unity, loyalty, and resilience which NMS instils remain essential in confronting Nigeria’s crises today,” he said.