The Board Vice President, International Institute for African Defence, Security and Governance, Gen Martin Agwai (retd.), has identified trust and knowledge sharing as vital tools in addressing the challenges of insecurity and peaceful co-existence in the African continent.
Agwai, a former Chief of Army Staff and Defence Staff of the Nigerian Army, stated this on Friday while addressing members of the Association of African Defence Attaches in Washington, DC, United States of America.
IIADSGOV is an independent, pan-African defence and security training and research institute based in Washington, D.C., United States, with a Country Office in Nigeria that also serves as our Regional Coordination Office for the Economic Community of West African States sub-region.
It is duly registered with the US Department of State and the Department of Defence as a Broker of Defence Articles, Services, and Training under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations in accordance with the US Munitions List.
In a speech made available to journalists on Friday, Agwai urged the defence attaches to remain focused and resilient in the task of securing their respective countries amid difficult challenges ranging from banditry, kidnapping and all forms of criminality.
He said, “True leadership in defence is rooted not just in capacity and strength but also in integrity, discipline, and the unwavering commitment to serve our nations and peoples. It is incumbent upon us to foster trust, enhance cooperation, and share knowledge to build resilient security architectures across Africa.
“In this era of rapid technological change and evolving threats, innovation and partnerships are critical. Africa’s security landscape demands dynamic responses—leveraging both traditional and emerging approaches—driven by collaboration, information-sharing, and mutual support, working with organised private sectors like our institute.
“We must be reminded that AU Agenda 2063 envisions a unified, peaceful, and prosperous Africa driven by African solutions to African problems. For defence, security, and governance, this means Africans must lead initiatives to build resilient institutions, foster regional cooperation, and implement policies tailored to our unique contexts.
“Indigenous leadership ensures that strategies are culturally relevant, sustainable, and aligned with the values of our peoples. It also promotes accountability and national pride, encouraging Africans to take ownership of their development paths. Ultimately, African-led efforts in security and governance strengthen sovereignty, reduce dependency on external actors, and build a continent capable of maintaining peace and stability autonomously.”
While noting that Africa is home to vast resources, the defence boss urged the attaches to go the whole distance in transforming continental challenges into solutions that would benefit the nations and their people.
“Africa is a continent brimming with potential, rich in resources, vibrant in culture, and resilient in spirit. Yet, it faces persistent challenges, from peacekeeping and counter-terrorism to sustainable development and good governance. Our collective responsibility is to ensure that we transform these challenges into opportunities for the good of our beloved people.
“This requires unwavering commitment, strategic foresight, and above all, unity among us as defence professionals and stakeholders. As defence attaches and security experts, we are the custodians of peace, catalysts for stability, and advocates of professionalism within our armed forces.
“Your roles as defence attaches are vital; as connectors between your governments and the broader international community. I therefore urge you to recommend and promote our programmes within your respective countries. By doing so, you will play a crucial part in strengthening the foundations of peace and security across Africa,” he added.
Responding, the Dean of the Association, Brig Gen Philip Nyamali, who doubles as the Defence Attache of the Republic of Malawi in Washington DC, welcomed the institute and commended Gen Agwai for his effort in promoting African defence and security.
He urged the institute to continue assisting the association regularly by providing relevant information on upcoming conferences and training programmes for the benefit of member countries.
