The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to continuous transformational leadership training for its junior and middle cadres, describing it as a vital component of combat effectiveness both on the battlefield and in other operations.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, stated this on Wednesday at the Army Seminar on Transformational Leadership organised by the Department of Transformation and Innovation, held at the 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Sokoto.
Oluyede was represented by Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2 Operation Hadarin Daji.
According to the COAS, the Nigerian Army places strong emphasis on leadership development and effective followership at the tactical level — where battles and engagements are planned and executed to achieve operational objectives.
Oluyede added that the seminar targeted junior and middle cadre personnel, underscoring the importance of leadership as a key driver of combat power and overall military effectiveness.
He noted that the seminar comes at a critical time, given the diverse security challenges comprising terrorism, insurgency, banditry and others confronting the nation.
The COAS highlighted the need for junior and middle cadre leaders with strong character, unwavering commitment, and the capacity to think quickly and make sound decisions.
“It is at this level that we have you participants, as frontline commanders, who have it as a duty to lead men, sustain their moral, continually motivate them and maintain their fighting spirit in the most lethal and demanding environment of any battlefield.
” Nigerian Army continue to review its tactics, techniques and procedures to develop both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies aimed at defeating its adversaries.
“The seminar is therefore, premised on the need to improve the Nigerian Army’s capacity in advancing its transformational leadership drive, ” he said.
He explained that operational outcomes served as the foundation upon which officials broader strategic objectives were achieved.
According to him, military formations and units are positioned at the forefront of the ongoing efforts to restore peace and security in respective areas of operations, adding that good leadership capabilities was uttermost important.
“As young leaders, in our army, it is crucial that you are not only skilled in carrying out your duties but also possess the right attitude and leadership qualities to guide our troops on the frontiers to achieve our goals in line with our constitutional responsibilities.
“As you are all aware, leadership is the most essential component of combat power on the battlefield and the military cannot function without it.
“Therefore, every opportunity must be seized to learn and improve in
this area, ” he said.
Oluyede implored the participants to take the seminar seriously, share knowledge, expectations, experiences and remarkable resilience, while applauding their loyalty and performance within Area of Responsibility.
He urged them to uphold professionalism and excellent leadership skills for effective discharge of duties.
He assured them that the Army headquarters would continue to provide the resources, and direction required to perform their roles.
The COAS reiterated the Army’s unwavering commitment to President Bola Tinubu for his invaluable support in enhancing the success of its various operations.
“We must do well on our part, to justify these resources and goodwill by consistently executing all assigned tasks swifty and in the most efficient and professional manner.
The COAS appreciated the seasoned resource persons, “who have sacrificed their time to be here with us, to rub minds and share their knowledge and experiences during the deliberations.
“I am confident that your presence at this seminar will be of immense benefit to the participants and Nigerian Arny at large,” Oluyede said.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Transformation and Innovation Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Olusegun Abai, said the seminar was designed to enhance leadership for improved regimentation, discipline and combat efficiency.
Abai, represented by Director Innovation, Brig.-Gen. Muhammad Usman, said the seminar was aimed at improving efficiency and addressing negative impact of substance abuse along with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on operational efficiency.
He noted that the initiative aligned with the command philosophy of the COAS, focusing on transformation through effective leadership, sound administration, professionalism and combat readiness.
He urged the participants to be open minded and contribute positively to make the seminar worthwhile.
The theme of the one-day seminar is ” Building the Leadership Capacity of Junior and Mid-Cadre Commanders; Effects of PTSD on Operational Effectiveness and Effect of Drug and Substance Abuse on Combat Readiness in Nigerian Army.”
