The Nigerian Army has strengthened the leadership capacity, operational efficiency and professionalism of senior non-commissioned officers of 8 Division and Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, through a five-day Leadership Awareness and Development Course.
The course was designed to equip participants with contemporary leadership skills, improve service delivery and enhance their ability to respond effectively to evolving security challenges, particularly in joint and inter-agency operations.
In a press release signed by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgba Koughna, said the programme aligned with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy.
Koughna, represented by the Chief of Staff, Headquarters 8 Division, Brigadier General Ibrahim Gambari, welcomed the participants and expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army Resource Centre for facilitating the course.
He described the training as a strategic intervention aimed at equipping senior non-commissioned officers with the knowledge and skills required to improve their performance, strengthen leadership and address gaps in the military system, particularly in joint and multi-agency operations.
The GOC noted that the initiative reflected the Chief of Army Staff’s vision of transforming the Nigerian Army into a professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of decisively discharging its constitutional responsibilities.
He urged participants to pay close attention to the training and apply the lessons learned to promote discipline, effective leadership and professionalism within the ranks.
Koughna also cautioned the personnel against the misuse of social media, stressing the importance of effective coordination, cooperation and responsible conduct in joint operations.
In his inauguration remarks, the Director-General of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Major General James Gwaza Khalifa Myam (rtd), represented by Major General Ifiok Obot (rtd), said the course was specifically designed to address the demands of combat leadership, which places significant responsibilities on senior non-commissioned officers.
He explained that effective combat leadership requires exceptional discipline, competence and commitment, adding that the programme was structured to enhance creativity, emotional intelligence, critical thinking and other contemporary leadership skills among Nigerian Army and paramilitary personnel.
According to him, the training would enable participants to adapt to emerging security realities, challenge existing assumptions, broaden their perspectives and improve their leadership capabilities in demanding operational environments.
Topics covered during the course included leadership frameworks, inter-agency collaboration and cooperation, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, the misuse of social media and its implications, leadership in crisis and war, the Constitution, the Armed Forces Act and the military justice system.
Resource persons included Major General Ifiok Obot (rtd), Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd), Professor Okey Ikechukwu, Mrs Temitope Aiyedogbon and Colonel Cyril Oforumazi.
The course forms part of efforts to strengthen leadership development within the Nigerian Army, particularly among senior non-commissioned officers whose responsibilities are critical to discipline, troop management and operational effectiveness.
