Group honours Defence Minister, DSS DG, others

The organisers of the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 have honoured key stakeholders in Nigeria’s security and defence sector, including the Minister of Defence and Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The awardees were honoured for their outstanding contributions to national security, defence development, and governance.

The awards were presented on Saturday in Abuja during the conference, which brought together government officials, military leaders, security experts, lawmakers, and private sector stakeholders.

The Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, received the Distinguished National Security Leadership Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s defence and national security architecture.

The Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Ajayi, was honoured with the Distinguished National Intelligence Leadership Award for his exceptional contributions to intelligence, national security coordination and the protection of Nigeria’s national interests.

The Director-General, Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Major General Babatunde Alaya, received the Defence Industrial Development Award for his leadership in advancing indigenous defence manufacturing, innovation and industrial growth.

Also recognised was the Chief Executive Officer of EPAIL Nigeria Limited, Engr. Kola Balogun, who received the Private Sector Security Innovation Award for his innovation and investment in security technology and strategic national development.

Senator Osita Izunaso was presented with the Legislative Leadership for National Security Award in recognition of his contributions to legislative initiatives supporting national security, governance, and development.

The organisers also conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award for National Service on retired Major General Victor Ezugwu in recognition of his distinguished military service and enduring contributions to Nigeria’s peace, security and national development.

Speaking at the event, the convener, Charles Awuzie, said the awards were designed to recognise individuals and institutions that had demonstrated exceptional commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and promoting national development.

Awuzie said the awardees had distinguished themselves through visionary leadership, innovation, public service and unwavering commitment to the peace, stability, and progress of the country.

The conference, themed: “Building a Modern Security Ecosystem: Integrating Private Sector Capacity into Nigeria’s National Security Architecture,” featured discussions on security sector reforms, indigenous defence production, intelligence cooperation, and public-private partnerships in national security.