The former President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has emphasized the importance of history in national development and security architecture.
He said that disinformation, which was used as a powerful tool during the Nigerian Civil War, is now been exploited by the insurgent group to gain advantage in asymmetric conflicts across Nigeria.
Obasanjo spoke in a keynote address as the Special Guest of Honour (SGOH) during the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN), Annual Nigerian Civil War Symposium at the Tukur Yusuf Buratai Auditorium in Asokoro, Abuja on Wednesday, 4th June 2025.
This Sixth Edition of its symposium was themed: “The Role of Disinformation in the Nigerian Civil War,” and it provided a strategic forum for reflection on the past conflict and drew connections to contemporary security challenges.
According to Obasanjo, “By understanding the past, we can better navigate the present and build a more equitable future,” while encouraging the participants of the AWCN Course 9/2025 to draw deeply from the lessons discussed.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, who was represented by Major General Philip Eromosele, delivered the closing remarks.
He commended the AWCN for organizing the symposium and described it as a vital platform for nurturing intellectual capacity within the military. He praised the theme’s relevance to current operations and reiterated the Army’s commitment to building a combat-ready force guided by sound leadership and informed strategy.
Earlier, the Commandant AWCN, Major General UM Alkali, while welcoming the guests and participants, stressed the importance of the symposium in enhancing the intellectual and leadership capacity of officers undergoing the AWCN Course 9/2025.
General Alkali said the College deliberately included the study of the Civil War in its curriculum to help participants dissect and draw practical lessons from historical campaigns.
He emphasized that the theme aligns with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy aimed at building a combat-ready and professional force capable of delivering on its constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.
“This symposium allows us to analyze past military operations at strategic, operational, and tactical levels. By understanding how disinformation shaped the Nigerian Civil War, we are better equipped to manage the information space in today’s battles,” the Commandant stated.
The Guest lecturer, Professor CBN Ogbogbo, a renowned historian, delivered an in-depth lecture on the theme of the symposium. He dissected the role of propaganda, media manipulation, and false narratives during the conflict, illustrating how misinformation shaped public perception and policy decisions during the war.
In his vote of thanks, the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies, Brigadier General OI Odigie, expressed gratitude to all guests, participants, and contributors.
He particularly thanked Chief Obasanjo, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. OO Oluyede and Professor Ogbogbo for their invaluable insights.
The symposium stands as a cornerstone of AWCN’s commitment to developing intellectually grounded, operationally capable, and strategically conscious military leaders, in line with the transformation agenda of the Nigerian Army.
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