Photo: The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, inspecting the Quarter Guard at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna.
By Zayyan Gwandu
In the annals of Nigeria’s political history, there have been few leaders as dynamic and dedicated as Mohammed Badaru Abubakar. Hailing from the serene landscapes of Babura Town in Jigawa State, a seasoned politician, and business tycoon has ascended to the helm of National Security by his appointment as Minister of Defence by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, and his journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
The Early Life and Political Ascension
Mohammed Badaru Abubakar was born on August 29, 1962, in the historic town of Babura of Ringim Emirate in Jigawa State. He hails from a lineage steeped into public service and community leadership which instilled in him the values of dedication and responsibility from an early age. This early foundation later serves as the bedrock for his political career.
After obtaining a degree in Accountancy from the renown Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Badaru engaged into business, quickly establishing himself as a successful entrepreneur. However, his commitment and selfless services has given him skills and fortune in the political arena.
This philosophist joined politics in 2007, he was a Gubernatorial flag bearer of the defunct ACN in 2011. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar was elected as the Governor of Jigawa State, in 2015 under the platform of the Ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) during his tenure, his prudence left an indelible mark on the state’s development. He focused on Education, Agriculture, Health care services, and Youth empowerment, implementing numerous policies that improved significantly the lives of Jigawa indigenes. His pragmatic approach and dedication to public welfare earned him a reputation as a visionary leader.
The Transition to National Security
In 2023, he was called to serve the nation on a grander scale came, and Mohammed Badaru Abubakar accepted the challenge of becoming the Minister of Defence. This move signaled a significant shift in his career, as he transitioned from the steering of a single state to the critical role of safeguarding the entire nation.
As the Minister of Defence, Badaru is responsible to formulate policies to protect the nation’s territorial integrity against external aggression, as well as transforming the Armed Forces of Federal Republic of Nigeria.
It is also a role of the Defence Ministry to compliment the Nigeria Police and the intelligence services in neutralizing internal threats, which is the primary task of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Vision for National Security
Badaru’s vision to National Security is built on a solid foundation of strategic planning, modernization, and collaboration. He has been quick to identify and address critical security challenges facing Nigeria, such as insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and communal clashes.
Under his leadership, the Armed Forces recorded a lot of successes in fighting banditry, and militancy that are sabotaging the national economy as well as social coexistence and national security. Therefore, collaboration with neighboring countries and international partners is a crucial aspect of his approach.
A Unifying Leader
One of Badaru’s most notable qualities is his ability to build bridges and foster unity. His tenure as Governor of Jigawa State was marked by efforts to promote inclusivity, bringing various ethnic and religious groups together to work towards a common goal. This same spirit of unity is evident in his current role, as he seeks to create a harmonious working environment among the various security agencies under his purview. The knowledge, finesse, and calm that Badaru exudes make him a perfect fit at the helm of Nigeria’s Defence affairs. These qualities make even the loudest critics see President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reasoning in trusting Badaru as his administration’s Minister of Defence.
Conclusion
In a country as diverse and complex as Nigeria, a leader with the vision, dedication, and commitment of Mohammed Badaru Abubakar is a beacon of hope for a safer and more prosperous future. His journey from Governor of Jigawa State to Minister of Defence reflects his unwavering commitment to public service and his willingness to rise to the occasion when confronted with bigger challenges.
As Minister of Defence, Badaru is poised to make a lasting impact on the National Security, working tirelessly to protect the lives and welfare of millions. His legacy will undoubtedly be etched in the history of Nigeria as a testament to his leadership, vision, and tireless dedication to the service of his country.