The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has tasked junior and middle cadre army personnel on operational effectiveness for success of Nigerian Army operations and the nation’s security.
Oluyede gave the charge while declaring open a serminar on Transformational Leadership organised by the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation, Nigerian Army Headquarters, on Thursday in Ibadan.
The seminar organised for junior and middle cadre personnel of the Nigerian Army has as its theme “Transformational Leadership and Nigerian Army Operational Effectiveness in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment.
Oluyede, who was represented by Maj.-Gen. O.S. Abai, Chief of Transformation and Innovation (Army), said that the junior and middle cadre personnel form the tactical backbone of Army operations, and directly shape operation outcomes and was the foundation on which strategic objectives were achieved.
The COAS said that the Nigerian Army had been in the forefront in the fight against terrorism, insurgency and had been ensuring peace and securing the nation.
He, however, said that the dynamic and current envolving security threat in Nigeria demanded holistic approach to leadership and conduct of army operations.
According to him, there must be continous learning not only from seminars like this, but also from real life experiences on the job.
The COAS said that organising the serminar for junior and middle cadre army personnel and as well focusing on leadership and followership was apt at this critical time.
“I must remind you, the participants, that your role as junior and mid-level commanders is central to the success of all Nigerian Army operations and ultimately our nation security.
“Most of your formations and units are positioned at forefront of ongoing efforts to restore peace and security in your respective areas of operation.
“Honing your leadership capabilities is therefore of utmost importance, the current operational landscape requires leaders with character, commitment and capacity for quick mental appreciation and ability to translate available intelligence into action,” he said.
The COAS urged the participants to maximise and make judicious use of the knowledge gained at the seminar to improve operations and enhance Nigeria’s security.
Oluyede said that the seminar would also touch on issue of drug substance abuse, post traumatic stress disorder and some other impediments to combat readiness of the Nigerian Army.
Earlier, Maj.-Gen. Abai said that the seminar was designed to enhance leadership efforts towards repositioning the Nigerian Army to effectively address regimentation, discipline and professional standard among personnel.
Abai, represented by Brig.-Gen. I.E. Apkaumantia, Deputy Director Operation, Analysis, Department of Army Transformation and Innovation, said that the seminar also aimed at institutionalising mentorship as framework for raising future leaders in the Nigerian Army.
Abai said that leadership remains a crucial element of combat power and effective military functionality depend on this critical component.
