The Nigerian Army has graduated 59 officers from Leadership Skills Development Course 16/26, designed to strengthen tactical-level leadership, critical thinking, emotional intelligence and decision-making.
The Chief of Training Army, Major General Valentine Okoro, stated this at the graduation ceremony held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.
Major General Okoro, who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Training Army, Major General Abdulmoshood Shonibare, said the programme was part of efforts to build a more intellectually robust and positive leadership culture among Nigerian Army personnel.
It was consistent with the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to transform the Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
He commended the training initiative for deliberately developing tactical-level leaders through critical thinking, emotional intelligence and other requisite leadership traits.
He stressed that the country’s security environment demands more than physical courage and tactical brilliance.
“Our country is currently being confronted by myriads of security challenges, which are complex and demand more than physical courage and tactical brilliance.”
According to the Chief of Training Army, officers operating across different phases of contemporary operations require a combination of emotional intelligence, critical thinking, quality of thought and adaptive leadership to navigate complex situations.
He said the demanding environment requires officers and men who can think critically, plan comprehensively and act decisively whenever required, adding that the course had prepared the participants for such leadership responsibilities.
Major General Okoro further charged the graduates to translate their classroom knowledge into actionable leadership in the field and contribute to tactical actions, joint operations planning, interagency coordination and the broader national security architecture.
“Today’s ceremony should not be seen as an end but as a significant step in your journey of leadership development.”
He urged the graduates to become change agents by sharing the knowledge acquired with colleagues who did not have the opportunity to participate in the course.
Okoro reminded them that responsibility remains a defining element of leadership.
“The Nigerian Army, and indeed our great nation, is counting on you.”
Course Focuses on Tactical Leadership
The Director General of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, retired Major General James Myam, said the course addressed the growing need for positive leadership skills among tactical-level commanders, particularly as contemporary operational, administrative and logistic challenges require creative leadership.
He identified critical thinking, emotional intelligence, mentorship, team building and coaching as essential capabilities for tactical commanders, noting that the skills enhance effective decision-making during battles and other engagements.
Major General Myam said the Army Headquarters had invested significantly in developing the participants and expected the graduates to deploy their new knowledge when they return to their units and formations.
He also charged them to become change agents who would train other personnel who were not opportune to attend the programme.
Presenting the course highlights, the Acting Director, Leadership Development Institute, and Course Coordinator, Colonel Cyril Y. Ofuromazi, said the 59 participants, comprising Lieutenant Colonels and below from formations and units across the Nigerian Army, assembled on 6 September 2026 for the two-week programme.
He said the course was designed to equip participants with leadership skills, creativity and critical thinking, while strengthening cooperation, collaboration and coordination required for effective operations in joint and multi-agency environments.
The programme covered leadership and its critical variables, conflict management, teamwork and team building, coaching, mentoring, emotional intelligence, military justice, leadership in peace and war, Nigerian Army customs and traditions, interagency cooperation and coordination, as well as selected aspects of parenting and the challenges faced by mobile military professionals.
Colonel Ofuromazi said participants were subjected to a table-top exercise to assess their understanding of the course content and determine their eligibility for certification.
A course critique was also conducted, with participants’ observations and recommendations recorded for consideration in improving subsequent programmes.
He reported that all 59 participants performed credibly well and were found worthy in character and learning to receive the Nigerian Army Resource Centre certificate for successful completion of Leadership Skills Development Course 16/26.
Participants Pledge to Apply Skills
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Lieutenant Colonel Y.U. Gabarin said the officers had been exposed to emotional intelligence, critical thinking and decision-making, leadership styles, interagency cooperation and the rule of law during the programme.
He expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army Resource Centre management, facilitators and support departments for the training and pledged that the knowledge acquired would be applied in their future responsibilities.
“To whom much is given, much is equally expected.”
The graduation brought together the Centre’s management, Army leadership, course facilitators and the 59 graduating officers at the conclusion of Leadership Skills Development Course 16/26.
