Security officers, Policy Makers Proffer Solutions to National Development

As part of efforts to bridge the gap between leadership, policy implementation and development within the African continent, the Nigerian Defence Academy brought together Senior security officers, both serving and retired, diplomats and policy makers to proffer solutions in these critical areas of national Defence.

The Nigerian Defence Academy, one of Africa’s top military institutions is known for grooming a combat ready force since its establishment, and has also carved its niche in the area of education and capacity building for military and civilians alike.

In furtherance of its noble objectives, the Academy held its 12th Leadership Lecture Series, organised by the Centre for Leadership and Complex Military Operations, at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.

The Special Guest of Honour and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume presented a paper on the topic: Leadershi, Policy Implementation, and Development in Nigeria.

Represented at the event by Dr. Olusegun Adekunle, the SGF said successful leadership requires long term perspective and implementation of policies require commitment, monitoring and the effective application of evaluation systems.

He further identified changing mindsets as well as promotion of accountability mechanisms as part of solutions to leadership problems.

Speaking at the venue, the Former Chief of Army Policy and Plans, Lieutenant General Lamidi Adeosun who also participates in leadership and strategic studies said, every country, institution and leadership has its challenges.

He identified what he terms as “Policy Somersault” as one of the challenges of leadership which according to him, happens when there is a change in leadership.

“The current leadership is fully aware of this and is doing so much to make sure the obtainable policy of the previous administration is being carried through, we are having a form of leadership now that is not afraid to take decision no matter how tough and rough such decisions may be on the followership and leadership”, State General Adeosun.

The Director, centre for the study of leadership and complex military operations, NDA, Dr. Bem Audu says the continual engagement of stakeholders is part of the ways to understand the working of the government.

“This is what the platform seeks to achieve as the lecture is held every quarter, and every quarter we pick a sector and interrogate the issues in the sector, proffer solutions and expose the issues for better understanding from the members of the public,” stated Dr. Audu.

Dr. Mariam Hamza of the Nigerian Defence Academy says she believes that there is no problem without a solutions unless the right questions are not asked.

She pointed out that getting solutions require a systematic approach especially to the current problems of the country.

One of the academy students, Mr. Olaniyi Shoyinka who spoke after the event said the lecture became necessary for all the students to learn first-hand from people practicing in the field.

He appreciated the hands on and practical field experience of learning from those who are policy makers and government functionaries, which gives better light to the theoretical lectures in the class.