Abuja: 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 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).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Oluyede reminded the 25 graduating participants that Nigeria needed “their brains as much as their badges.” He emphasized that the course was not just about theory but about using strategy, leadership, and innovation to effect change within their organizations and for the nation. He praised the course’s integration of policy, entrepreneurship, psychology, and research, which he said equipped officers to lead in a rapidly evolving security and governance environment.
Oluyede urged the graduates to become change agents, stressing that their next mission lies outside the classroom, aimed at the progress of Nigeria. He encouraged them to apply the knowledge gained for personal growth, organizational benefit, and service to the nation and humanity.
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 noted the course’s steady growth and described the 25-member cohort as one of the largest since its inception. Wahab highlighted the consistent participation of agencies such as the Department of State Services, Defence Intelligence, and NYSC as a sign of confidence in the programme.
Wahab emphasized the importance of collaboration, noting that understanding each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and perspectives is crucial. He commended the participants for their discipline and openness to dialogue and urged them to use their new skills and networks to navigate national challenges. He remarked that no one has a monopoly on knowledge and stressed the importance of exchanging ideas and learning from one another.
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.
The News Agency of Nigeria 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.
