The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has attributed his rise to national leadership to divine intervention, saying attempts by detractors to derail his progress ultimately failed.

Musa spoke at a thanksgiving service held at the Conquerors Global Assembly, Abuja, where he reflected on what he described as a year marked by trials, opposition and eventual elevation.

According to the minister, circumstances at a point appeared stacked against him, but providence prevailed.

“We give God the glory for what has happened this year,” Musa said. “Even when those who wished us harm thought they had succeeded, they did not realise that God was preparing a lifting. In their limited understanding, they conspired and believed they had won. But when God is your foundation, victory is assured.”

The Defence Minister, who attended the service with his wife, expressed appreciation to the church’s founder, Bishop David Abioye, describing him as a trusted ally and spiritual pillar. He also prayed for the continued growth of the ministry.

Addressing the congregation, Musa urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite prevailing challenges, noting that adversity is often a pathway to growth and strength.

“If you are never challenged, you can never improve,” he said. “As Nigerians, we are strong people, but we are stronger when we stand together with God. Nigerians are winners.”

He called on citizens to sustain prayers for the nation and its leaders, stressing that persistent negative narratives about the country do more harm than good.

“If you continue to talk down on your country, you do not mean well for it,” the minister warned.

Musa also urged Christians to live out their faith beyond words, noting that true impact comes from practice rather than profession.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nominated Musa as Minister of Defence on December 2, following the resignation of his predecessor, Mohammed Badaru, on health grounds. The nomination was conveyed in a letter to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, with the President expressing confidence in Musa’s capacity to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

He was sworn in two days later.