Nigeria can overcome emerging security challenges if the country gets it right with leadership management, particularly at strategic levels of the military, Gbenga Adesina, a Major-General and Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Signals, has said.
His advice follows the unfortunate demise of the Chief of Army Staff, Ibrahim Attahiru, and mounting concerns over the rising spate of insecurity in Nigeria.
The bend towards anarchy, expressed in rampant ethnoreligious upheavals, kidnapping for ransom, banditry and terrorism across the country, is a huge threat that needs decisive and skilful leaders across all tiers of the command, the Commandant said.
In a keynote statement at a seminar on ‘Leadership Excellence in a Digital Era’ at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration (NASFA), he urged all officers to play their part in restoring peace and stability.
“Leadership is key and vital to the control of insurgency and other challenges in Nigeria. Most organisations have this. We all know the right thing to do. We need to develop the courage to take decisions, accept responsibility and do the right,” Adesina said.
Read Also: Nigeria’s ferocious anti-Intellectualism: Isa’s “Pant Army” as a case study
“Giving up is not an option. We must continue to strive to achieve the transformation desired in the country.”
The training led by the Chattered Institute of Management focused on honing officers’ skills in leadership competencies of the new decades and roles of leaders in digital transformation.
It equally touched on issues of workplace engagement and digital reforms, artificial intelligence as a tool for a charismatic leader, propaganda resistance and fostering the culture of excellence.
Felix Ohunyeye, Brigadier-General and Commandant, NASFA said the seminal was convened help participants gain the right skills that can aid effective decision-making.
Effective and competent leadership if translated into practical actions is considered a potent tool for moving the country forward in the war against uprisings.
Ohunyeye regretted that the state of the country has descended into a precarious situation, particularly with the sudden loss of the Army leadership.
It calls for serious sober reflection and tightening of loose ends.
“As senior of officers, this seminar should be perceived as a veritable forum for acquiring the necessary expertise that will be critical in confronting challenges of leadership,” Ohunyeye said.
