Army chief urges officers to translate strategy into action

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has charged senior military officers and strategic stakeholders to translate strategy into tangible action in addressing national challenges.

Oluyede delivered the message on Friday in Abuja during the graduation ceremony of participants in the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) Strategic Management and Policy Study Course 7/2024.

He was represented by Maj.-Gen. Gbemiga Adesina, Director-General of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC).

He reminded the 25 graduating participants that Nigeria needed “their brains as much as their badges.”

“This course is not just about theory; it is about using strategy, leadership, and innovation to make things happen, in your organisations and for the nation,” Oluyede stated.

He lauded the course’s integration of policy, entrepreneurship, psychology, and research, saying it equipped officers to lead in a rapidly evolving security and governance environment.

“You must become change agents. Your next mission is outside this classroom, for the progress of Nigeria.

“Apply the knowledge gained here for your personal growth, your organisations, and the service of our nation and humanity,” he added.

Director-General of NARC, retired Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab, described the programme as a platform for building trust, collaboration, and mutual understanding across Nigeria’s defence, security, and civil institutions.

He commended the steady growth of the course and described the 25-member cohort as one of the largest since inception.

He highlighted the consistent participation of agencies such as the Department of State Services, Defence Intelligence, NYSC, and others as a sign of confidence in the programme.

“Collaboration cannot work if we don’t know each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and perspectives. This course provides that opportunity,” he said.

Wahab also applauded the participants for their discipline and openness to dialogue, urging them to use their new skills and networks to navigate national challenges.

“No one has a monopoly of knowledge. What you see as white, someone else may see as black, the point is to exchange ideas and learn from one another,” he noted.

Course President, Maj.-Gen. Sunday Igbinomwanhia, expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Army, the centre, and partner institutions for the opportunity to undertake the strategic training.

He also thanked the NDA commandant and resource persons for their mentorship and commitment.

Our correspondent reports that the participants underwent 11 months of intensive academic training, earning a master’s degree from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and a Fellowship of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre.

They were officially inducted on Thursday ahead of their graduation.