Ihejirika who stressed that issues of security should not be politicized, spoke at the Nigerian Defence Academy Alumni 18th Regular Course Re-Union in Sokoto.
He described desert encroachment as a very serious problem, saying “It has a lot to do with what we are facing today.”
He noted that most of the youths who live by farming are becoming jobless by day and stressed the need for more employment opportunities to be created.
“Youths should be employed, they should be kept busy,” he stated.
Ihejirika also called for support for the federal government quest for $1billion loan to tackle insecurity, saying it is something that should be approved.
“The armed forces should be supported. Let us begin to see the armed forces as armed forces of Nigeria .Let us think of unity. We must be unified and united,” he stated
Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III who was chief host and also the Alumni Life patron urged Nigerians to see themselves as one.
He urged retired military officers not to allow politicians to divide them.
“Our political party is Nigeria, do not allow politicians to use you for their selfish end,” the Sultan advised.
Earlier in a welcome address, Alumni President,Air Commodore Olufemi Oguntuyi (rtd),said they are poised to unify Nigeria and ensure sustainable peace in the country.