By Helen Udo,Outlook Media.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has called on commanders at all levels to develop innovative strategies to enhance man-management and battle readiness. This directive was made during a seminar organized by the Army Headquarters Department of Army Transformation and Innovation (AHQ DATI) for officers and soldiers of the 8 Division at the Army Officers’ Mess in Sokoto, themed “Optimizing Warrior Ethos in the NA: A Panacea for Operational Effectiveness.”
Represented by Brigadier General Ibikunle Ajose, Acting General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander Joint Task Force Northwest Operation HADARIN DAJI (OPHD), the COAS emphasized the seminar’s role in advancing his Command Philosophy, which focuses on transforming the Nigerian Army through effective leadership, operational readiness, and sound administration. He highlighted the seminar’s importance in instilling a warrior ethos and battle spirit among personnel, particularly in a complex security landscape. The event aims to address challenges faced by troops and adapt tactics and strategies for effective responses.
In his welcome remarks, Major General Zakari Abubakar, Chief of Transformation and Innovation at AHQ DATI, noted that the seminar seeks to invigorate the fighting spirit of personnel while addressing issues such as drug abuse and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) terrorism awareness. Expert resource persons from military and law enforcement sectors were engaged to facilitate discussions.
The seminar included three key lectures covering warrior ethos, CBRN terrorism suppression, and the implications of substance abuse on operational efficiency. Major General Bamidele Alabi, the lead guest speaker, underscored the importance of situational awareness, joint planning, and continuous training in enhancing operational effectiveness.
The event was attended by serving and retired senior military officers, alongside troops from the 8 Division. Highlights included engaging discussions, the presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs.
