By Bavoriat Clara
The Nigerian Army (NA) has concluded a Transformational Leadership Seminar at the Headquarters 8 Division, Sokoto, designed to strengthen the leadership and operational capabilities of frontline mid-level commanders and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs).
In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, the seminar aimed at enhancing participants’ ability to tackle critical command challenges, leadership issues, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — factors that significantly influence troop readiness and performance.
The seminar, themed “Transformational Leadership and Nigerian Army Operational Effectiveness in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment,” brought together junior and mid-level commanders as well as SNCOs who serve as the vital link between strategic directives and tactical execution in ongoing security operations across the country.
Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West), Major General Ibikunle Ajose, emphasized the indispensable role of these commanders in confronting Nigeria’s evolving security threats.
He noted that effective leadership at the frontline remains key to the success of Army operations and national stability. According to him, the seminar reflects the NA’s sustained commitment to developing leaders who are decisive, professional, and ethical in their conduct.
Major General Ajose further stressed that modern warfare requires leaders of strong character, discipline, and adaptability — individuals capable of turning intelligence into swift, actionable decisions. He lauded the inclusion of topics such as drug abuse and PTSD, describing leadership as “the cornerstone of combat power.”
Organized by the Army Headquarters Department of Transformation and Innovation, the seminar aligns with the COAS’s vision to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped, and highly motivated force.
Representing the Chief of Transformation and Innovation (Army), Major General Mohammed Usman highlighted that the NA’s investment in mid-level leadership is strategic to ensuring that its commanders are adequately prepared for the dynamic challenges of contemporary warfare.
Participants also benefited from insightful lectures delivered by seasoned experts, including the former GOC 8 Division and ex-Force Commander, Multinational Joint Task Force, Major General Jide Jeleel Ogunlade (Rtd), and Lieutenant Colonel Susan Johnson Dibal (Rtd). Their presentations focused on Leadership Development for Junior and Mid-Cadre Commanders and The Impact of PTSD on Operational Effectiveness.
Major General Usman encouraged participants to take full advantage of the seminar by learning from experts, sharing operational experiences, and broadening their leadership perspectives. He stressed that their improved capacity would directly enhance the Nigerian Army’s operational effectiveness in today’s complex joint environment.
The seminar reaffirms the Nigerian Army’s commitment to continuous professional development, emphasizing both tactical proficiency and the psychological well-being of its personnel. By nurturing resilient and adaptive leaders, the Army continues to build a force capable of effectively confronting emerging threats to national security.
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