Nigeria, Aug. 28 -- Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, has urged African nations to deepen cooperation and embrace innovation as part of efforts to secure and strengthen the continent.

We gathered that he made this appeal on Wednesday evening in Abuja during a dinner organised for participants of the maiden African Chiefs of Service Staff Summit, which drew military chiefs, security experts, diplomats, and industry leaders from across the continent.

"Tonight, we are not gathered for war, but for celebration. We are here to honor the sacrifices made for peace and to reaffirm our commitment to building a safer and stronger Africa," Matawalle said.

The minister commended the continent's defence chiefs for their leadership...