Ex-Ondo First Lady backs CDS call for self-defence training

August 23, 2025 by Chris Njoku, Owerri

Former First Lady of Ondo State, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has thrown her weight behind the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, on his call for Nigerians to learn self-defence and combat skills. 

In a post on her X account (Twitter), Mrs. Akeredolu emphasized the importance of self-defence training in today’s society.

“I stand with the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, on his call for Nigerians to learn self-defence and combat skills,” she said. 

Akeredolu noted that her organization, BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation, had introduced taekwondo training at their annual summer boot camp years ago, recognizing the need for self-defence skills.

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“At BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation, we saw this need years ago. Rising cases of rape & gender-based violence pushed us to introduce taekwondo training at our annual BEMORE Summer Bootcamp. Our girls have gained not just physical strength, but confidence, courage, and resilience,” she added.

 Akeredolu urged the government and stakeholders to institutionalize self-defence training nationwide, starting with schools and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

 “I urge government & stakeholders to institutionalize self-defence training nationwide, starting with schools and NYSC. A safer Nigeria begins with an empowered citizenry,” she emphasized.

 The call for self-defence training comes amid rising concerns about security in Nigeria. Many Nigerians have been advocating for measures to improve safety and security, and the CDS’s call is seen as a step in the right direction.