The Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja has urged graduating participants of Army War College Nigeria Course 7/2023 to be men of intelligence, integrity and gentlemen of character as they return to the field and to also demonstrate competence, Character and consistent in every action they take to learn the trust and confidence of their subordinates.
He most importantly stressed that it requires that it takes on the development and mentorship of the next generation of young leaders
Lt General Lagbaja gave this charge on Wednesday, 4, October 2023 at the Army War College Nigeria graduation dinner and award of Course 7/2023 at the Army Command Officers Mess 1, Asokoro Abuja.
The COAS who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plan (Army), Major General AB Ibrahim congratulated graduates for having gone through vigorous eight-month study at the college. He said this is indeed a milestone in their careers, and all they have derived from the prestigious institution would speak from the days and years to come.
"Your graduation from this college marks the beginning of your formal venture into operational and strategic leadership roles. Strategic leadership requires an understanding of the intricacies of the environment. It requires the ability to craft and communicate a vision. It demands output leadership without direct contact will be led. It also requires a selfless commitment to your mission and the people you lead.
"Distinguished graduating participants as you prepare to leave the college, I'm sure you are aware that the nation still faces doubting security challenges. The threats facing the nation include terrorism, banditry and Vandalism, Kidnapping, headers and farmers conflicts, cultism, and secessionism among others. These are symmetric security challenges, which have impacted heavily on our collective well-being, are increasingly posing a considerable threat to national cohesion.", he said
The COAS commended troops in all theatres of operations who have exhibited an unparalleled determination to decisively bring about peace and security across the country. Their loyalty, commitment and doggedness in the various theatres of operations deserve every commendation and support from all Nigerians.
In his words, the Commandant Army War College Nigeria, Major General Maina encouraged them to understand that the system appreciated the huge investment that had gone into their training and the value that their predecessors had added to their respective services. Therefore there will be a high demand for excellence, knowledge, ideas, and options for quality service among others. He encourages them to proudly stand on the solid foundation provided at the college and make a professional mark.
"As you leave this noble institution, I have no doubt your services and countries eagerly await you to help develop options for overcoming the menace of issues facing our various countries and the larger society in general
"This college has provided you with valuable tools to critically think through contemporary challenges and develop implementable practical options. We expect that you will knowledgeably take up your positions and play critical roles in the evolution of 24th-century military thinking required to meet these challenges.
"The package the participants had undergone has made them to me ratio ready and battle ready to be deployed to any operations as they leave this college.
SpyeTV News reports that various achievements of the Army War College underscore the importance of professional military education to senior personnel of the armed forces. The mission of the Colleges is apt and is very clear which is to produce well-trained, Educated and inspired operational-level leaders for the Nigerian army.
This mission is being achieved through the College learning objectives which are focused on critical and system thinking, matching national security, Military strategy and operational arts. Course 7/2023 are the products of this mission and a lot is expected from them when they get back to the field.
The dinner and awards ceremony of Army War College for Course 7/2023 was organised to celebrate the enormous achievements of the graduates and the college by extension.
