Don’t Underrate Yourselves, Defence Minister Tells Nigerians

The minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, has challenged Nigerians, irrespective of their religion or tribe, not to underrate themselves in their capacity to make the country great.

His appeal was informed by the contributions of the chairman of EIB Group, Dr Bright Echefu, and his company, to Nigeria’s economic growth.

Gen. Musa, who attended the company’s Christmas Carol and Staff End-of-Year event, said the company and its chairman were doing “great things,” which showed “what Nigeria should be.”

He urged the attendees, including top security officials from within and outside Nigeria, to take pride in the country, citing the impact of the EIB Group.

His words: “I want to thank Dr Echefu, a young man doing great things. These are some of our unsung heroes. As Nigerians and as Africans, we should be proud of ourselves.

“You can see when something is done correctly and done well. It doesn’t matter your religion, it doesn’t matter your tribe, whether you are tall, short, or whatever. If you are good, you are good, and the honour will be given to you.

“And if you also notice, this organisation shows what Nigeria should be,” the minister said.

Musa commended the recipients of the EIB Group awards, noting that stakeholders must applaud, acknowledge and reward those who have performed well in their respective fields.

Describing Nigeria as a great country, the minister advised Nigerians against belittling themselves, adding, “We don’t know what we can achieve,” while referencing Echefu, who has established nine innovative subsidiaries “right from scratch to where we are today.”

The minister urged Nigerians to remain united and ignore the “gaps” that attempt to divide the country, stressing that such divisions “don’t take us anywhere.”

He noted that the countries Nigerians migrate to are places where citizens stayed back and developed their nation.

“Why can’t we stay back and develop our own country?

We are running there, and they are running here and making it,” he said.

On his part, the EIB Group boss appreciated senior military officers—retired and serving—senior police officers, senior Department of State Services (DSS) staff, and senior management across various security agencies for attending the event.

He said EIB Group has nine subsidiaries ranging from BRIECH UAS to Luft TV and Briech Hospital, among others, adding that the companies have performed exceptionally well.

Ochefu added that the company currently has about 1,400 staff, many of whom are contributing to national security and development.