THE Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration (NASFA) has produced over 4,500 graduates at both the National Diploma and Higher National Diploma levels since its maiden leadership training programme in 2007.
The Chief of Training, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Valentine Okoro, disclosed this at the 24th Nigerian Army Leadership Development Seminar on Tuesday in Lagos.
The seminar had its theme as; “Adaptive Leadership in a Volatile Security Environment: Leading Effectively in the Era of Uncertainty and Rapid Change”.
He said the importance of training could not be overemphasised, as it prepared troops for the demands of modern warfare.
Okoro was represented at the event by the General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Adebayo Babalola.
The Nigerian Army Leadership Development seminar was an annually organised event, in conjunction with the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered).
The army chief said that it was through structured, progressive and realistic training, that leaders acquired the competence, confidence and adaptability, required to prepare the troops for the demands of modern warfare.
“This underscores the Nigerian Army’s current commitment to improving competent leaders, capable of effectively discharging their responsibilities in an increasingly complex operational environment.
“The contemporary security environment presents a wide spectrum of evolving trends, which demand leaders who are intellectually typed, professionally planned and capable of making sound decisions under pressure.
“This is why the Nigerian Army continues to invest in leadership development and professional military education, recognising that effective leadership remains a decisive factor in professional success,” he said.
Okoro added that the seminar was in consonant with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff COAS Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu.
“It is to advance the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force, capable of decisively discharging its constitutional responsibilities, within a joint and multi-agency environment.
“This requires sustained investment in training and leadership development. Within military institutions worldwide, training remains the backbone of combat readiness.
“This seminar, therefore, forms an integral part of the Nigerian Army’s broader training and professional development framework,” he said.
The army chief added that the Nigerian Army operated within a dynamic security environment, characterised by insurgency, terrorism, militancy and other forms of asymmetric threats.
“These challenges require leaders who are not only tactically proficient, but also strategically minded and capable of adapting to rapidly changing operational realities.
“Consequently, leadership training programmes such as this seminar, are designed to expose participants to modern leadership concepts, contemporary management practices and strategic thinking, necessary for effective command and decision-making,” he said.
Okoro encouraged participants to regard the seminar as a valuable opportunity for professional intellectual engagement and knowledge sharing.
“I am confident that the insights given here will enhance your leadership capacity and further strengthen the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.
“Ultimately, the strength of any military decision lies in the quality of its leadership and the professionalism of its personnel.
“By investing in training, the Nigerian Army is reinforcing its capacity to remain a professional, responsive and combat-ready force, capable of addressing the security challenges confronting our nation,” he said.
Mrs Taiwo Olusesi, Registrar, Nigerian Institute of Management Chartered on her part, said the organisation of the specially designed leadership development seminar, was another milestone in the relationship between the two organisations.
Olusesi commended the Commandant of the NASFA, Brig.-Gen. John Bulus, for keeping alive the tradition of holding the seminar yearly.
She noted that it was a demonstration of continued commitment to capacity building, with a view to maintaining the culture of management professionalism, among officers of the Nigerian Army.
“Undoubtedly, this programme has become one of the means of keeping the beneficiaries abreast of best international professional management practices and military management.
“This impacts positively on the professional life of officers, especially in the way they tackle and manage their daily professional and personal challenges,” the registrar said.
