Distinguished colleagues, esteemed officers, and members of the Planning Committee,

It is with great honor and a profound sense of responsibility that I address you today at the inauguration of the Planning Committee for the upcoming African Chiefs of Defence Summit 2025. This summit represents a pivotal moment for our continent's collective security architecture.

Africa faces unique security challenges that transcend national borders. From transnational terrorism to maritime insecurity, from ethnic conflicts to climate-induced crises, the threats to our people's safety and wellbeing demand a unified and coordinated response. No single nation, regardless of its military strength or economic resources, can effectively address these challenges in isolation.

To the distinguished members of the Planning Committee, I charge you with the important task of organizing a summit that will not merely be a gathering of military officials, but a transformative event that produces tangible outcomes for Africa's security landscape. I have full confidence in your abilities to deliver on this mandate.

Together, we shall work towards a more secure Africa, where peace enables prosperity, and where our defence institutions serve as pillars of stability for generations to come.