Army commandant task officers on integrity, selflessness, others

Commandant of the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peace Keeping Centre (MLAILPKC), Maj.-Gen. Ademola Adedoja has urged both men of the armed forces, the Nigeria Police and the paramilitary to remain committed to the values of leadership, integrity, and selfless service.

Adedoja made the call at the graduation of the participants of the Leadership and National Cohesion (LNC) Course 2/2024 in Abuja, organised by MLAILPKC in collaboration with UNDP and the Government of Japan.

According to him, a nation without leadership and national coercion would ultimately be vulnerable to disintegration, instability, and stagnation, insisting that there was a need to develop a new generation of visionary leaders who could inspire and unite the people towards a common goal.

This, he said, underscores the need for capacity building and training of leaders who would pursue this goal.

“It is against this backdrop that the MLAILPKC, in collaboration with the UNDP and the Government of Japan, carefully crafted the Leadership and National Coercion course to recruit new participants with the competencies required to navigate through the intricacies of leading in a diverse, multi-ethnic, and multicultural society,” he said.

“The course has further provided participants with knowledge and skills necessary to develop strategies for promoting social cohesion, managing conflicts, and fostering inclusive and sustainable development.

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“Additionally, the interconnections between leadership and national coercion were deeply dissected, revealing how effective leadership fosters a sense of unity and repurposing among citizens.”

The commandant urged the participants to remain committed to the values of leadership, integrity, and selfless service which they had learned, and strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

He also implored them to be ambassadors of positive change while inspiring others to walk towards a common vision for society.

Also speaking, former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, urged Nigerian leaders to be ambassadors of positive change while inspiring others to walk towards a common vision for society.

He also urged leaders to be committed to the values of leadership, integrity, and service, adding that their role as leaders was crucial in upholding the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and dignity, even in the face of adversity.

“As leaders, you must foster a culture of tolerance, empathy, and understanding, where every individual feel valued, respected, and included.

“Leadership and national cohesion is more relevant today than ever due to the fact that the world is increasingly becoming more complex and the challenges we face require collective action, collaboration and a deep sense of shared purpose.”