GOC 3 Division Charges Senior Non-Commissioned Officers To Bridge Command-Troops Gap

GOC 3 Division Charges Senior Non-Commissioned Officers To Bridge Command-Troops Gap

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Operation ENDURING PEACE(OPEP), Major General Folusho Oyinlola, has charged Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) to solidify their role as the critical link between command and troops on the ground.

Major General Oyinlola gave the charge on Friday, October 17, 2025, while presiding over the graduation ceremony of the Leadership Awareness and Development Course for SNCOs within 3 Division’s area of responsibility on 13/2025 at the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos.

In his address, Major General Oyinlola applauded the graduates for their unwavering commitment throughout the week-long course, which sought to enlighten them on their role as the essential link between the command and the frontline troops. “As SNCOs, you are the backbone of this Division and the cornerstone of Operation ENDURING PEACE,” he stated, underscoring the significance of their leadership, discipline, and moral authority at the tactical level. The GOC pointed out that these qualities are instrumental in determining both the operational effectiveness and the morale of the soldiers directly under their supervision.

The importance of the course was underscored by Major General Oyinlola’s assertion that the knowledge gained would serve as a catalyst for positive change in their respective units and formations. He urged the graduates to take the lessons learned and apply them to enhance combat readiness, inspire subordinates, and support their commanding officers. “In the context of ongoing operations, refined leadership among SNCOs serves as a force multiplier and often determines the difference between mission success and failure,” he remarked.

The week-long course, organized by the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), was designed to sensitize SNCOs on their pivotal role. Brigadier General OC Onovwiona, the Director Leadership Development Institute at NARC, praised the participants for their enthusiasm and dedication to the program. He highlighted the importance of continuous professional development for military leaders, stating, “The experience gained and the skills developed during this course will undeniably enhance the operational capabilities of our forces.”

The structure of the Leadership Awareness and Development Course was comprehensive, featuring a variety of lectures delivered by both serving and retired senior officers, as well as academic professionals from multiple disciplines. Key topics included General Orientation on Course Objectives, Leadership in Crisis and War, the Non-Kinetic Pathway to Peace and Security, Nigerian Army Ethics, and the implications of social media misuse, among others. The diverse curriculum aimed to equip SNCOs with critical insights into the evolving challenges of modern military operations.

The graduation ceremony concluded with a formal presentation of certificates to the participants and mementos to resource persons, marking a significant milestone in the professional development of these military leaders. The event served as a reminder of the ongoing commitment of the Nigerian Army to enhance leadership awareness and foster stronger links between command structures and ground troops.