COAS Urges Commanders on Strategic Leadership at Army's Inaugural Seminar
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called on senior commanders of the Nigerian Army to adopt strategic leadership, foster innovation, and enhance collaboration to effectively address the nation's evolving security threats. This charge was delivered on Tuesday during the opening of the First Senior Command and Leadership Seminar 2026, held at the Headquarters of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Major General Peter Malla, Shaibu expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Army. He emphasized that the President's interventions have been pivotal in achieving successes in safeguarding national security and territorial integrity.
Enhancing Professional Competencies
In his address, the COAS highlighted that the seminar was meticulously designed to sharpen the professional competencies of senior commanders, boost their operational readiness, and strengthen leadership capacity across the Army. He noted that the theme, "Strategic Leadership for Effective Command in an Evolving Security Environment," aligns with his command philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient force.
Shaibu pointed out that the contemporary security landscape is increasingly complex, requiring commanders who can think strategically, adapt swiftly, and lead effectively under pressure. He stated, "I expect participants to demonstrate professionalism through frank engagement, critical thinking, and active participation throughout the interactive sessions. The lessons and key takeaways from this Seminar must translate into actionable strategies that will guide future policies, enhance leadership at all levels, and advance the transformation agenda of the Nigerian Army."
Importance of Collaboration
Furthermore, the Army Chief stressed the critical importance of collaboration with other security agencies, civil society organizations, and traditional institutions. He explained that modern security operations demand integrated approaches built on trust and cooperation to achieve comprehensive results.
Shaibu urged participants to actively engage in discussions, exchange ideas, and develop innovative solutions aimed at enhancing troop welfare and operational effectiveness. He also encouraged them to reflect on critical issues such as improving training methods, strengthening combat readiness, and instilling the ethos of mission success among troops.
Milestone in Leadership Development
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Training (Army), Major General Valentine Okoro, described the seminar as a significant milestone in the Army's efforts to strengthen leadership and operational effectiveness. Okoro explained that the initiative aims to enhance strategic leadership competencies, improve decision-making, and prepare senior officers for the realities of modern warfare.
He detailed that the seminar would feature lectures on key areas, including operational-level command, lessons from counter-insurgency operations, the impact of emerging technologies on warfare, and Nigeria's role in regional security.
Welcome Address and Program Structure
In his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division, Major General Eric Emekah, stated that the seminar was carefully structured to enhance strategic leadership capacity and command effectiveness among senior officers. Emekah noted that the program would deepen participants' understanding of contemporary security challenges while strengthening professional and ethical leadership standards.
This inaugural seminar marks a proactive step by the Nigerian Army to equip its leaders with the necessary skills and strategies to navigate and overcome the dynamic security environment facing the nation.
