The Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAIPKC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have introduced a course to assist personnel of the Nigerian Army in examining the concept of strategic thinking and emotional intelligence to detect the causes of disunity, disintegration, and insurrection in society.

At the inauguration of the Leadership and National Cohesion Course 2/2024 in Abuja, organised by the MLAIPKC and the UNDP with support from the Japanese government, MLAIPKC Commandant, Major General Ademola Adedoja, explained that the course will provide officers with a comprehensive understanding of the concept and qualities of a good leader.

Adedoja added that the course will also expose participants to the need for mentoring, as well as the roles of leaders in harnessing Nigeria’s diverse cultures to ensure national cohesion.

“Furthermore, the course will x-ray the concept of strategic thinking and emotional intelligence, causes of disunity, disintegration, and insurrection in societies, and finally look at ways to rebuild the broken bonds and bridges among diverse groups for national cohesion.”

According to Adedoja, at the end of the course, participants will be empowered to effect positive changes and contribute meaningfully towards enhancing peace, security, and the safety of citizens in Nigeria and the African region.

Also speaking, Japanese Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Lieutenant Colonel Morita Tatsuya, pledged his country’s commitment to peace and stability in Nigeria and the African continent through human resource development in partnership with agencies.

According to Tatsuya, Japan has consistently demonstrated its commitment to supporting essential training for African-led peace support operations and capacity building in Africa. He added that the country recognizes the significant role of African-led Peace Support Operations in maintaining peace and stability across the continent.

He noted: “In Nigeria, we have been actively supporting the Peacekeeping Operation (PKO) training in partnership with the UNDP and various PKO training centres for the past six years, including this esteemed institution.

“Since the first Defence Attaché was attached to our Embassy in 2015, the friendship between Japan and Nigeria in the area of defense has been significantly strengthened. Although direct defense cooperation between Japan and Nigeria has yet to be fully realized, we aspire to work towards a stronger partnership in the near future.”

Tatsuya expressed optimism that the training will empower participants as leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to foster national cohesion, contributing to peace and stability in Nigeria as well as Africa.

On his part, UNDP’s Team Lead, Governance, Peace & Security, Matthew Alao, urged participants to approach the course with an open mind, a profound commitment to personal growth, and a clear vision of contributing to Nigeria’s peaceful and prosperous future.

Alao informed them that their diverse backgrounds are not just a demographic reality but a strategic asset in developing holistic, inclusive approaches to national development, adding that the impact of the project will manifest in the coming years.