How bad parenting contributes to Nigeria’s security challenges – Brig-Gen. Musa

The Commandant Depot Nigerian Army (Depot NA), Brig-Gen. CG Musa has blamed the social problems and contemporary security challenges facing the nation on bad parenting.

Musa who was delivering the Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai’s Independence message to troops during the combined service in commemoration of Nigeria’s 55th Independence Day Church Service, at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, Chindit Cantonment, Zaria, Kaduna, said parents are now over-conscious of economic survival rather than being there for their children.

He also observed that parents have neglected their wards to unpredictable peer influence for character development and social upbringing.


A statement by Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Captain Olabisi Ayeni, quoted the Commandant Depot Nigerian Army, as advising parents “to be more concerned about improving the character of their wards, rather than relying solely on schools, training institutions and peer groups.

“Parents should ensure their children are groomed domestically, socially and spiritually, as the effects of these will reflect on peace and tranquility of the nation.”

Brig-Gen. Musa challenged parents not to leave their children behind while going for church services or Juma’at prayers. He further added that parental duties are paramount as it helps to impact positive mindset, conduct and behavior in the minds of children at tender age.

Speaking further, the Commandant likened the responsibilities of officers and soldiers instructors of Depot NA to that of a parent tasking them to be of good example to recruits and desist from act that can influence the recruits negatively. He also added that if any instructor is found wanting, such individual will be sanctioned accordingly.

The combined service which was also held in other formations in the Nigerian Army was to celebrate Nigeria’s 55th independence anniversary and to also pray for the Nation.

Meanwhile, present at the event were the commandants of Depot Nigerian Army, Brig Gen CG Musa and his counterpart of the Nigerian Military School (NMS) Zaria, Brig-Gen. JA Fayehun represented by his deputy, Col. CC Ogbu, officers, soldiers of these institutions and their family members.