By Abubakar Yunusa
A coalition of northern youth forums has hailed Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, for what they describe as bold and pragmatic reforms in the country’s security sector.
In a statement on Thursday, the forum’s chairman, Ismaila Muhammad, said the minister’s policies are reshaping Nigeria’s defence strategy and restoring confidence in the Armed Forces.
Muhammad noted that Matawalle’s emphasis on modernising defence institutions, adopting technology-driven solutions, and prioritising the welfare of military personnel has earned him growing respect among young Nigerians.
“Matawalle is demonstrating that security goes beyond the battlefield,” the statement read. “He is combining innovation, diplomacy, and human capital development to strengthen national defence.”
Since assuming office, the minister has pushed for investment in digital tools, including surveillance systems and unmanned aerial platforms, to tackle terrorism and insurgency. He has also encouraged local production of military hardware to reduce dependence on imports.
For many northern youths, these policies represent a shift towards self-reliance and innovation at a time when insecurity has strained communities across the region.
