The Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC) completed the training of 265 middle-level commanders on Thursday.
The focus of the training was on effective command and leadership within a joint battle-space environment.
The week-long program included junior leaders from the ranks of Lieutenant, Captain, and Major, drawn from various Nigerian Army units.
This first-ever Junior Leadership Training Week 2024 was held at the Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna.
The seminar was centered around the theme, “Effective Command and Leadership: Imperatives of Success in Future Battle-space in Joint Environments.”
Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Commander of the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, served as the Special Guest of Honour.
While officially closing the event, he highlighted the significance of developing young officers through continuous training.
He stressed the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving, urging the participants to embrace these qualities as essential for future success.
Representing Maj.-Gen. Oluyede at the event was Maj.-Gen. Usman Yusuf, the Director-General of the Land Forces Simulation Centre.
He explained that the primary objective of the training was to stimulate the minds of young officers, challenging them to understand how the Nigerian Army conducts its operations, especially as the Army is currently engaged in numerous missions across the country.
Oluyede emphasized that the Nigerian Army leadership wants to ensure that young officers are not only aware of the challenges they face but are also actively contributing solutions.
He stressed the importance of junior officers advising senior commanders based on their experiences and insights into what strategies may prove effective.
The event also underlined the importance of junior officers’ input in decision-making, making it clear that the Army’s high command values the perspectives of its younger leaders.
Oluyede explained that senior leadership should not be the only source of strategic decisions and that junior officers should have a voice in identifying problems and proposing viable solutions.
Addressing the role of technology in combating insecurity within the country, Oluyede noted that junior officers would be encouraged to make the best use of the resources and technology available within the Nigerian Army.
He acknowledged that while not all countries are at the same technological level, the Army remains committed to equipping its officers with the tools necessary to enhance their effectiveness in combat situations.
Oluyede urged participants to remain dedicated to their careers, emphasizing that they should take the lessons and discussions from senior officers seriously.
He pointed out that senior colleagues are seasoned veterans who have extensive experience in various operations.
He encouraged the young officers to learn from these experiences and apply their newfound knowledge to achieve success in future operations.
