Chief Of Army Staff Applauds NACOLM, Charges Graduands To Be Ready For Deployment In Higher Capacities

Chief Of Army Staff Applauds NACOLM, Charges Graduands To Be Ready For Deployment In Higher Capacities

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja who spoke at the Graduation Ceremony of 106 middle cadre officers who were students of Senior Leadership and Staff Course (SLSOC) 1/23 of the Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management (NACOLM), said the SLSOC aims to produce officers with analytical minds wo are adequately knowledgeable in staff procedures and capable of efficiently holding staff appointments at the Grade 1 level.

The Event which took place at the Tukur Yusuf Buratai Hall, NACOLM permanent site, Ojo on 29 September 2023, had in attendance the COAS who was ably represented by the Commander Corps of Signals Major General Gbemiga Adesina, commended the efforts by the College to effectively deliver on its mandate towards increasing the number of officers that are adequately equipped with requisite leadership and staff skills. He therefore urged the College to continue to play this critical role diligently and not to rest on its oars.

Furthermore, the COAS stated that his drive for continuous training of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army (NA) for improved responsiveness in tackling national security threats is aptly captured in his Command Philosophy. He stressed that the College should pay particular attention to contemporary logistics issues and administrative challenges facing own troops in the field and evolve a viable approach that fits the environment and peculiarities.

General Lagbaja used the medium to appreciate the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) for his strategic guidance and continued support for the Nigerian Army. He also congratulated the Commandant and the entire staff of the College for the successful conduct of the maiden SLSOC from inception to graduation, adding that this has demonstrated the College’s genuine commitment to turning out highly versatile and intellectually sound officers for the Nigerian Army.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Commandant NACOLM Brigadier General Wisdom Etuk stated that the 106 graduands assembled on 20 January 2023 for the Course. He further stated that the student officers who are of the rank of Majors were drawn from virtually every Combat Support and Combat Service Support Corps as well as Directorates in the NA. He added that they were taken on a 35 weeks intense classroom and field training activities, aimed at improving the officers professional skills for efficient discharge of their duties in the defence of our nation.

Brigadier General Etuk expatiated that he is assured that the graduands are well prepared to meet the leadership and staff demands of Nigerian Army corps, formations and units. He urged the graduands to build on the solid professional foundation laid by the College by making deliberate efforts to always demonstrate a high degree of competence in the discharge of all assigned task in the field. He concluded by thanking the COAS for his unflinching support to the College.

Highlight of the events were, course highlights by the Deputy Commandant and the Director of Studies, Brig Gen JIB Manjang, presentation of certificates by the SGOH to graduating students of SLSOC 1/23, presentation of souvenirs to the SGOH and it was climax with a group photograph and refreshment at the NACOLM Officers’ Mess.

Present at the Ceremony were Corps Commanders, Past Commandants of NACOLM, Commandants of Corps Schools, Commanders, Commanding Officers and Directors within Lagos, Chairperson of NAOWA 81 Division Chapter and her entourage, College partners amongst others.