The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has attributed his rise to national leadership to divine intervention, saying he was elevated at a time when forces working against him believed they had succeeded in bringing him down.
Musa made the remarks during a recent thanksgiving service at the Conquerors Global Assembly in Abuja, where he attended alongside his wife. The service was later shared online by Church Times and circulated widely on social media.
While addressing the congregation, the defence minister expressed gratitude to God for what he described as a remarkable turnaround in his life and career, noting that events unfolded in his favour despite intense opposition.
“We give God the glory for what has happened this year,” Musa said. “Even when the enemy thought they were putting us down, they did not know God was going to lift us up. In their small minds, they conspired and thought they had won, but as long as you have God as your pillar, you will win.”
He thanked the founder of the church, Bishop David Abioye, and his wife for their support, describing the cleric as a close ally. Musa also offered prayers for the continued growth of the ministry.
Urging worshippers not to lose hope in difficult times, the minister stressed the importance of faith and resilience, saying challenges were a necessary part of personal and national development.
“If you are never challenged, you can never improve in life,” he said. “As Nigerians, we know we are strong, but we are stronger together with God Almighty. Nigerians are winners. We must continue to pray for our leaders and for our country.”
Musa also warned against persistent negative narratives about Nigeria, arguing that constant criticism weakens national morale and undermines progress.
“If you continue to talk down on your country, you don’t mean well,” he cautioned.
He further called on Christians to live out their faith beyond words, stressing that real impact comes from practising what one professes to believe.
President Bola Tinubu nominated Musa as Minister of Defence on December 2, replacing Mohammed Badaru, who resigned on health grounds. The nomination was conveyed in a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in which the President expressed confidence in Musa’s capacity to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
The former Chief of Defence Staff was sworn in two days later, marking a new chapter in his public service career.
