The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd), has credited his rise to national leadership to divine intervention, saying his appointment came at a time when circumstances appeared to work against him.

Gen. Musa made the remarks during a church service at the Conquerors Global Assembly in Abuja, reflecting on the personal and professional challenges that preceded his current position. A video of the service circulating on social media captured him addressing worshippers alongside his wife.

During the service, Musa acknowledged the church leadership, prayed for the continued growth of the ministry, and used the platform to encourage congregants to remain resilient in the face of difficulties.

He urged worshippers not to despair during challenging times, stating, “Because we serve a living God, He will never give up on us.” He linked his recent experiences to a broader narrative of perseverance, describing how opposition and adversity preceded his appointment.

“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. 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 explained that challenges play a crucial role in personal and national development, arguing that adversity strengthens both resolve and capacity. He stressed the importance of unity and faith in overcoming obstacles, particularly in the Nigerian context.

“If you are never challenged, you can never improve in life. 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 our country,” he said.

Musa also warned against persistent negative narratives about Nigeria, noting that constant criticism undermines collective confidence and national progress. “If you continue to talk down on your country, you don’t mean well,” he cautioned.

He further encouraged Christians to demonstrate their faith through actions, emphasizing that societal impact depends on practising professed beliefs rather than mere verbal declarations.

Gen. Musa’s remarks come weeks after President Bola Tinubu nominated him as Minister of Defence on December 2, following the resignation of his predecessor, Mohammed Badaru, due to health reasons.

Observers note that Musa’s reflections highlight both his personal journey and his vision for national unity, resilience, and faith-driven leadership in navigating Nigeria’s security and developmental challenges.