By Bavoriat Clara
The Nigerian Armed Forces has entered into a landmark partnership with Messers Empower 54 Africa Initiative to establish the Armed Forces Museum of Nigeria, a premier institution designed to preserve the nation’s military heritage and honour the sacrifices of its personnel, both past and present.
At the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, described the project as a national legacy that would ensure the sacrifices of fallen and serving heroes are never forgotten.
He stressed that the Armed Forces Museum would safeguard Nigeria’s rich military history while serving as a source of pride, unity and knowledge for future generations.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria is one family bound by duty and sacrifice. This museum will stand as a testament to those who laid down their lives in defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” General Musa stated.
Founder of Empower 54 Africa Initiative, Princess Modupe Ozolua, recalled her organisation’s humanitarian work in the North East since 2014, during which her team supported displaced communities, built schools and observed firsthand the bravery of soldiers at checkpoints in conflict zones.
She said those experiences underscored the need to preserve the Armed Forces’ story in their own voice, noting that history fades if not properly documented.
Princess Ozolua expressed gratitude to General Musa for his vision and leadership in supporting the project, adding that the museum would immortalise military legacies while educating future generations about sacrifice and patriotism.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations, Rear Admiral Olusanya Abiodun Bankole, announced that a multi-disciplinary steering committee had been set up to translate the CDS’s vision into reality.
He disclosed that the committee, comprising representatives of the three services and heritage experts, had designed a seven-phase implementation plan culminating in the global launch of the museum in the first quarter of 2026.
Rear Admiral Bankole explained that Empower 54 Africa Initiative was chosen after thorough research and due diligence because of its expertise in heritage development, project management and sustainable partnerships.
He described the project as a lasting tribute to the courage and professionalism of the Nigerian Armed Forces, while also noting its potential to create jobs for veterans and civilians, generate sustainable revenue through tourism and education, and provide multilingual learning opportunities for schools nationwide.
The MoU signing ceremony was witnessed by senior military officers, partners and stakeholders, who described the initiative as a milestone in Nigeria’s commitment to preserving its defence heritage.
The Armed Forces Museum, expected to sit on a 10-hectare site, will evolve into Nigeria’s foremost defence heritage institution, featuring archives, digital records and interactive exhibitions designed to immortalise the nation’s heroes while fostering national pride.
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