Musa Ubàndawaki, Sokoto
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to defending the nation’s territorial integrity, saying troops continue to make tremendous sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and other security threats.
He stated this on Wednesday while declaring open a one-day seminar on Transformational Leadership and Nigerian Army Operational Effectiveness in a Joint Multi-Agency Environment held at the 8 Division Headquarters Auditorium in Sokoto.
General Oluyede, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 Operation Hadarin Daji, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, said the theme of the seminar reflects the Army’s focus on leadership excellence, innovation, and improved operational efficiency.
He stressed the strategic importance of junior and mid-level commanders in mission success, noting that their leadership at the tactical level remains critical to ongoing operations across the country.
“The Nigerian Army will continue to build and sustain a professional, resilient, and adaptive force capable of responding to emerging security challenges,” he said.
He commended the Department of Transformation and Innovation for sustaining the leadership seminar series designed to groom future Army leaders.
The COAS also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent support of the Armed Forces, particularly in the areas of welfare, equipment, and operational intervention.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Transformation and Innovation, Major General Olusegun Samson Abai, represented by the Director, Department of Training and Innovation, Major General Muhammed Usman, said the seminar aligns with the COAS’s command philosophy of building a well-motivated, professionally competent, and combat-ready force.
He explained that the training is aimed at strengthening leadership capacity among junior and mid-level officers while addressing issues that affect troop performance, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse.
“I urge all participants to take full advantage of this seminar.
“It is designed to sharpen leadership skills and enhance combat readiness through critical discussions on leadership development, the effects of PTSD on operational effectiveness, and the impact of drug abuse on military performance,” General Abai said.
He also commended the COAS for his strategic reforms and continued support for initiatives that promote excellence within the Nigerian Army.
