The Department of Transformation and Innovation of the Nigerian Army Headquarters, has organised a seminar for junior and middle Cadre personnel as frontline commanders to boost operational effectiveness across the North West region of the country.
Declaring the seminar open in Sokoto, the Special Guest of Honor and the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, described the theme of the seminar: “Transformational Leadership and Nigerian Army Operational Effectiveness in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment” as apt and timely.
General Oluyede said it underscores leadership and operational effectiveness of the Army.
He said the current operational landscape of Army requires leadership with character, commitment and capacity for quick mental appreciation as well as the ability to translate available intelligence in to decisive action.
” As you all know, leadership is a critical component of combat power and remain central to the success of military operations globally.
“Therefore, opportunities to learn to lead better, just as this seminar offers, must be maximised and put to judicious use,” he said.
General Oluyede said the Nigerian Army has been at the forefront of the fight against terrorism and insurgency, making immense sacrifices to safeguard the peace and security of the nation.
“However, the dynamic and evolving nature of today’s treat landscape demands a holistic approach to leadership and the conduct of our operation.
“We must keep our minds open to learning not only from forums such as this seminar, but from real life experiences on the job,” he explained.
General Oluyede encouraged the participants of the seminar to make the best use of the opportunity to benefit from the wealth of knowledge and experience of the lecture presenters for their overall benefits as leaders.
He expressed his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast support and strategic guidance to the Nigerian Army.
” Mr President’s commitment to our operational and administrative needs has been pivotal to the successes achieved so far and continue to strengthen our capacity to safeguard the nation’s security and territorial integrity”, he noted.
General Oluyede was represented by the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander Joint Task Force Northwest Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Ibikunle Ajose.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Transformation and Innovation, Major General Olusegun Abai, said the seminar focused on enhancing leadership capacity among junior and mid-cadre officers. It also addressed the negative impact of substance abuse and Post-Traumatic Disorder on operational efficiency.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the command philosophy of Chief of Army Staff focusing on transformation through effective leadership, sound administration, professionalism and combat readiness.
General Abai represented by the Director Transformation and Innovation Headquarters Nigerian Army, Major General Muhammed Usman, noted that the seminar also provided a valuable opportunity for discussion, idea-sharing and collaboration.
He urged the participants to use the avenue to learn from their expertise and broaden their knowledge for effective operational efficiency.
The Chief of Army Transformation and Innovation commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for approving the seminar and providing all necessary resources and guidance to the department.
The Seminar featured three key lectures: ‘Building the Leadership Capacity of Junior and and Mid-cadre Commanders,’ Effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder on Nigerian Army Operational Effectiveness,’ and ‘ Effects of Drugs and Substance Abuse on Combat Readiness in the Nigerian Army among others.