The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged Divisional Training Officers of the Nigerian Army to ensure that training remains sound, realistic and progressive, stressing that training is the bedrock of operational success.
The charge was delivered during the opening ceremony of the week-long Division Training Officers Training Week, organised by Army Headquarters Department of Training at the 3 Division Auditorium, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos.
According to a statement by the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 3 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olumide Victor Olukoya, the workshop, themed “Enhancing Operational Readiness: Adaptive Training Strategies for Evolving Threat,” was designed to enable Divisional Training Officers to review lessons learnt, share best practices and prepare effectively for the training year ahead.
“As Divisional Training Officers, you play a critical role in shaping the competence, mindset and resilience of our officers and soldiers. Leadership on the battlefield is directly linked to the quality of training you design, supervise and enforce,” Lieutenant General Shaibu said.
Operational procedures
The Chief of Army Staff stressed that realistic training directly influences operational outcomes and must foster inquisitive mindsets that allow personnel to learn, unlearn and relearn tactical and operational procedures in line with evolving threats.
He further emphasised that effective training cannot be achieved without motivated and well-cared-for personnel, charging Divisional Training Officers to prioritise troop welfare and encourage healthy competition by recognising outstanding performance during training.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also commended Divisional Training Officers for their efforts in post-depot training initiatives, including Exercise Shining Star, describing them as critical to building confidence, discipline and combat effectiveness among young soldiers.
Earlier in his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, expressed delight at hosting the training week and underscored its importance to the Army’s operational readiness.
“Participants should approach this programme with a professional and reflective mindset, engage actively in discussions and internalise insights that will enhance their instructional and supervisory competencies,” Major General Oyinlola said.
Also speaking, the Chief of Training (Army), Major General Valentine Okoro, thanked the Chief of Army Staff for his consistent emphasis on training as a cornerstone of military professionalism.
Major General Okoro further advised that all divisional training activities must be realistic, mission-oriented and aligned with the realities of the operating environment.