By Olayemi Esan
The Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP) Army, Major General Anthony Bamidele Omozoje, has advised graduating cadets of Short Service Course 47 (Army) to prioritise training for themselves and the men under them when they become commissioned officers of the Nigerian Army.
Maj Gen Omozoje who was speaking to the cadets during the Academy Regimental Dinner Night for cadets of Short Service Course 47 (Army) told the cadets to make it a duty to train with their men. "Train with your men. Be the example. By so doing, you build trust, you bond with them and you get to know them."
He reminded the passing out cadets that as they transition from cadets to officers, they must remember that they will be required to lead men and women to perform duties under conditions not only of great discomfort but also of threats of serious injury or loss of limbs or even death.
"Hence, you must be leaders who are physically and mentally fit, highly motivated and and disciplined, willing to share in the hardship and danger and inspire your men to follow you even into the darkest of places", he charged.
Maj Gen Omozoje warned the cadets that inaction or inefficiency cannot be condoned in officers because their actions have direct consequences on the success or failure of their mission. He noted that "the ultimate responsibility for mission success or failure resides with the officer in charge. In this light inactions or ineffectiveness will not be condoned as you transition into the officers corps."
Additionally, Maj Gen AB Omozoje tasked the cadets to be effective communicators. "Learn to give clear, concise instructions so your followers will know exactly what they are supposed to do" he said. He also advised them to be good listeners, noting that they could learn from the experiences of some of their subordinates.
General Omozoje further informed the cadets that the current prevailing security situation in the country, which had been precipitated by several socio-economic challenges has placed new demands on military leaders at all levels. He noted therefore that Nigeria demands a military whose leaders demonstrate high standards of character and competence. Maj Gen Omozoje thus called on the cadets to adopt the correct sense of responsibility, coupled with the right knowledge that would enable them contribute to the effectiveness of the Nigerian Army in accomplishing assigned tasks in support of of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in defence of the Constitution.
The COPP expressed confidence in the ability of members of Short Service Course 47 (Army), to make a difference when they get to the field. He attributed this to changes in training that the cadets have undergone under the command of the current Commandant NDA, Maj Gen IM Yusuf. He praised Maj Gen Yusuf for the changes made in the training of the cadets, which he noted was already yielding positive results.
The Regimental Dinner Night for SSC 47 (Army) is one of the events lined ahead of the Passing Out Parade of cadets of SSC 47 (Army). The course is composed of 295 cadets amongst which are 2 cadets from Liberia. The Regimental Dinner Night follows an important military tradition which offers the cadets the opportunity to interact with senior military officers and civilian staff and gain a wealth of knowledge and experience.
It also offers them the opportunity to acquaint themselves of the conduct and etiquette required of gentlemen officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The event was attended by the Commander Infantry Corps, General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command as well several senior military and non-military officers.
High point of the event includes the presentation of the maiden Deputy Commandant's Merit Award for outstanding character and leadership to Cadet A Dauda, Loyal Toast to the presidents and Commanders-in- Chief of the Nigerian and Liberia Armed Forces.Others were post dinner drinks, presentation of sovenier to the SGOH and conduct of the NDA Band by the SGOH.