A Seminar aimed to boost the operational effectiveness of frontline mid-level commanders and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) towards addressing critical challenges has ended in Sokoto.
Organised by Army Headquarters, Department of Transformation and Innovation, was held at the 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Sokoto.
The Transformational Leadership Seminar underscored participant’s role as the backbone of ongoing security operations across the country.
Other key aspects the seminar addressed were command and Leadership challenge as well as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),factors that directly impact troop readiness.
The theme: ‘Transformational Leadership and Nigerian Army Operational Effectiveness in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment” brought together junior, mid-level commanders and SNCOs from the frontline who serve as the bridge between strategic directives and tactical execution.
In his opening remarks, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 Joint Task For Croatia (North West), Major General Ibikunle Ajose underscored the pivotal role of these commanders in addressing Nigeria’s complex security landscape.
According to the GOC, leadership at the front lines is indispensable to the success of NA operations and by extension the national security. He noted that the seminar reflects the NA’s commitment to equip the participants with advanced skills to lead decisively, professionally, and ethically..
Major General Ajose emphasized that modern warfare demands leaders with character, commitment, and the ability to translate intelligence into swift action. He commended the seminar’s focus on combating issues like drug abuse and PTSD which undermine combat readiness. Leadership is the cornerstone of combat power, he added.
The Seminar organized by Army Headquarters, Department of Transformation and Innovation aligns with the COAS’s vision to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped, and highly motivated force.
The Chief of Transformation and Innovation Army (COTI (A) represented by Major General Mohammed Usman highlighted the seminar’s role in fulfilling this COAS vision. He stated that the NA is investing in mid-level commanders to ensure they are prepared for the evolving challenges of today’s battlefield.
According to the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba in a statement added that the participants were engaged in intensive presentations by erudite resource persons such as the former General Officer Commanding, 8 Division and Former Force Commander Multinational Joint Task Force, Major General Jide Jeleel Ogunlade retired and Lieutenant Colonel Susan Johnson Dibal retired.
They focused on building leadership capacity for Junior and mid-cadre commanders and t he Impact of PTSD on Operational Effectiveness
On his part, the COTI (A) urged the participants to leverage the seminar as an opportunity to learn from experts, share experiences, and expand their knowledge. He said their growth as leaders will directly enhance NA’s operational success in today’s complex and joint operating environment.
The Seminar underscores the NA’s dedication to continuous professional development, prioritizing both tactical competence and the mental well-being of its personnel. By fostering a more agile and resilient force, the NAaims to effectively counter all threats to national security.
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