By Hosea Parah, Abuja
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has delivered an inspiring lecture titled “Military Strategic Leadership: My Perspective” to participants of Air War Course 10/2024 at the Air Force War College Nigeria (AFWCN) on Wednesday. General Lagbaja urged the participants to focus on building their strategic leadership capacity and developing their subordinates through adequate training and delegation of responsibilities.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, General Lagbaja emphasized that military strategic leadership is crucial in maintaining the unity and effectiveness of the Armed Forces within the national polity. He stressed the importance of developing a vision or philosophy to guide personnel and ensure their adherence to national interests and security.
The COAS highlighted the significance of exposure to various training programs, including Civil Military Relations (CMR), as it enables strategic leaders to effectively engage with all segments of society, particularly the political class. He emphasized that such training enhances personnel administration and operational effectiveness in addressing contemporary and emerging security challenges.
General Lagbaja further encouraged the participants to have the moral courage to delegate responsibilities to their subordinates, allowing them to develop the necessary competences. He referred to this as “on the job training” and emphasized its importance in the growth and development of personnel.
In addition to his remarks on leadership, General Lagbaja called on the participants to contribute positively to the implementation of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act 2023. He highlighted the significance of this act, which allows for the manufacturing of defense equipment in the country, reducing Nigeria’s reliance on foreign procurement of such equipment. The COAS expressed his appreciation to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and political will in approving the act.
The Air War Course 10/2024 at AFWCN had participants from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, as well as civilians and foreign participants. The course aims to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to become effective strategic leaders in their respective fields.