Abuja, December 29, 2025 – The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd), has narrated a deeply personal account of his remarkable ascent to the pinnacle of Nigeria’s military leadership, insisting that his elevation was orchestrated by God despite concerted efforts by adversaries to pull him down.
The retired four-star general shared the testimony on Sunday, December 28, during a thanksgiving service at Conquerors Global Assembly in Abuja. Accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Lilian Oghenero Musa, the minister worshipped alongside the congregation led by the church’s founder and senior pastor, Bishop David Abioye, whom he warmly described as a spiritual father and mentor.
In an emotional address to the packed auditorium, General Musa reflected on the tumultuous events of the past year, particularly the period leading to his appointment as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in June 2023 and his subsequent confirmation and elevation to full general — the first from his home state of Adamawa and one of the few from the North-East region in recent history.
“We give God the glory for what has happened this year,” Musa declared. “Even when the enemy thought they were putting us down, they did not know God was going to lift us up. In their small mind they conspired and thought they had won. But as long as you have God as your pillar, you will win.”
The minister’s testimony resonated strongly with the congregation, many of whom responded with shouts of “Amen” and applause. He recounted how certain individuals and forces had plotted against his progress, believing they could derail his career at critical moments. Yet, he said, divine intervention turned those very obstacles into stepping stones for greater elevation.
Musa stressed that trials and opposition are often divine preparations for higher responsibilities. “Sometimes God allows challenges to come our way so that when He finally lifts us, no man can take the glory,” he explained. “What the enemy meant for evil, God turned it around for my good.”
Turning to the broader national context, the Defence Minister praised the resilience and strength of the Nigerian people, describing them as inherently tough and capable of overcoming adversity. However, he emphasised that true national strength is only fully realised when citizens anchor their hope and unity in God.
“Nigerians are strong people. We are very strong. But when we put God first, our strength becomes unstoppable,” he said. He cautioned against the habit of constantly criticising or “talking down” the country, noting that negative confessions and pessimism only serve to weaken collective progress.
“If we keep saying Nigeria is finished, Nigeria will never rise,” Musa warned. “We must begin to speak positively about our nation. We must declare that Nigeria will be great again, because it is God’s will for us to prosper.”
The minister urged the congregation and Nigerians at large to intensify prayers for the nation’s leaders, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the armed forces engaged in multiple security operations across the country. He acknowledged the complex security challenges facing Nigeria — from insurgency in the North-East to banditry in the North-West, separatist agitation in the South-East, and oil theft in the Niger Delta — but expressed confidence that with divine help and unified effort, lasting peace would be achieved.
Musa also issued a passionate challenge to Christians to live out their faith authentically in every sphere of influence. “It is not enough to carry the Bible or wear the cross,” he said. “Your character, your integrity, your dedication to excellence — these are what truly show that Christ lives in you. When people see how you work, how you treat others, how you handle power, they will know you serve a living God.”
He stressed that Christians in positions of authority have a sacred responsibility to reflect godly values, adding that true influence in society comes not from titles or connections, but from consistent righteous living.
The service featured special prayers for the minister and his family, as well as for the peace and prosperity of Nigeria. Bishop David Abioye, in his response, described General Musa as a faithful son of the house who has consistently honoured spiritual authority even after attaining the highest military office in the land.
“Many people forget their roots when they climb high, but this man has remained humble and loyal,” Abioye said. “We are proud of him, and we know that God who started this good work in his life will complete it.”
General Musa’s journey to the top of Nigeria’s military hierarchy has been widely regarded as remarkable. Commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1986, he rose steadily through the ranks, serving in various command and staff appointments, including as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East. His appointment as CDS in 2023 came at a time of intense scrutiny of the armed forces’ leadership, and his subsequent performance has earned commendation from both the presidency and international partners.
Since assuming office as Minister of Defence in August 2025, following a cabinet reshuffle, Musa has continued to combine operational oversight with strategic reforms aimed at modernising the military and enhancing inter-agency collaboration in tackling insecurity.
His public testimony on Sunday is consistent with his known deep Christian faith, often expressed in previous addresses to troops and at public events. The minister has repeatedly urged military personnel to draw strength from spiritual conviction while discharging their constitutional duties.
As Nigeria navigates economic difficulties, security threats, and political transitions, voices like General Musa’s — blending personal faith with national optimism — offer a message of hope to many citizens seeking encouragement amid prevailing challenges.
The thanksgiving service ended on a high note with praises and worship, leaving attendees inspired by the minister’s story of divine upliftment against all odds.
