The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen Olufemi Oluyede , says Transformational Leadership is the most essential component of combat power on the battlefield and the military cannot function without it.
Oluyede stated this at the Army Seminar on Transformation Leadership organised by the Department of Transformation and Innovation, held at 1 Division Nigerian Army in Kaduna, yesterday.
The COAS was represented by Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso , the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division Nigerian Army and also the Commander Sector 1 Operation Fansan Yamma.
He noted that the target audience are the junior and middle cadre personnel of the Nigerian Army with the focus on leadership and effective followership at the tactical level, where battles and engagements are planned and executed to accomplish operational level objectives.
Oluyede, who emphasised the importance of leadership in combat power and military effectiveness, noted that the seminar comes at a critical time, given the diverse security challenges confronting the nation.
The COAS highlighted the need bring on bound junior and middle cadre leaders with strong character, unwavering commitment, and the capacity to think quickly and make sound decisions.
“It is at this level that we have you participants, as frontline commanders, who have it as a duty to lead men, sustain their moral, continually motivate them and maintain their fighting spirit in the most lethal and demanding environment of any battlefield,” he said.
He added that Nigerian Army has continued to review its tactics, techniques and procedures to develop both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies aimed at defeating its adversaries.
“The seminar is therefore, premised on the need to improve the Nigerian Army’s capacity in advancing its transformational leadership drive.
“As young leaders, in our Army, it is crucial that you are not only skilled in carrying out your duties but also possess the right attitude and leadership qualities to guide our troops on the frontiers to achieve our goals in line with our constitutional responsibilities.
“As you are all aware, leadership is the most essential component of combat power on the battlefield and the military cannot function without it.
“Therefore, every opportunity must be seized to learn and improve in this area.
“Additionally, the increasing threats posed by Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear weapons, is a current challenge to combat readiness, will be discussed during this all-important seminar.
“The aim is to raise awareness among personnel on the need to counter any acts of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear terrorism especially during military operations, “he said.
Oluyede implored the participants to take the seminar seriously, while applauding their loyalty and performance so far within 1 Div Area of Responsibility (AOR).
He assured them that the Army headquarters will continue to provide the resources, and direction they require to perform their roles.
The COAS reiterated the unwavering commitment to President Bola Tinubu for his invaluable support to the Nigerian Army towards ensuring success in our various operations. .
“We must do well on our part, to justify these resources and goodwill by consistently executing all assigned tasks swifty and in the most efficient and professional manner.
The COAS appreciated the seasoned resource persons , who have sacrificed their time to be here with us, to rub minds and share their knowledge and experiences during the deliberations.
“I am confident that your presence at this seminar will be of immense benefit to the participants and the Nigerian Army at large,” Oluyede said.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Transformation and Innovation Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Olusegun Abai, said the seminar is designed to enhance leadership for improved regimentation, discipline and combat efficiency.
Abai said “The seminar is also aimed to create awareness and suggest measures to suppress the act of chemical , biological, radiological and nuclear terrorism which is gradually creeping into our operational domain as well as the importance of identifying and suppressing these threats in Nigeria.”
According to him, the emergence of these threats indicate Nigeria Army personnel are being exposed to harmful and hazardous conditions across various theatres of operations.
He urged the participants to be open minded and contribute positively to make the seminar worthwhile.
TheTide’s report that the theme of the one day seminar is, “ Transformational Leadership and Nigeria Army Operational Effectiveness in a Joint and Multi -Agency Environment.

Russia attacked Kyiv yesterday with an hour-long barrage of missiles and drones, killing nine people and injuring more than 70.
This was said to be the deadliest assault on the Ukrainian capital since July 2024, and just as peace efforts are coming to a head.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said after the attack, that he was cutting short his official trip to South Africa and returning home as the city reeled from the bombardment that kept residents on edge for about 11 hours.
Zelenskyy said this appeared to be Russia’s biggest attack on Kyiv in nine months and called it one of Russia’s “most outrageous.’’
The attack drew a rare rebuke of Russian President Vladimir Putin from United States. President Donald Trump, who said he was “not happy” with it.
“Not necessary, and terrible timing. Vladimir, STOP!” Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.
However, senior Untied States. officials have warned that the Trump administration could soon give up its efforts to stop the war if the two sides do not compromise.
Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko announced that Friday would be an official day of mourning in the capital.
The Ukrainian air force said Russia fired 66 ballistic and cruise missiles, four plane-launched air-to-surface missiles, and 145 Shahed and decoy drones at Kyiv and four other regions of Ukraine.
Rescue workers with flashlights scoured the charred rubble of partly collapsed homes as the blue lights of emergency vehicles lit up the dark city streets.
The attack came as weeks of peace negotiations appeared to culminate without an agreement.
Reports also said the attack came hours after Trump lashed out at Zelenskyy.
Trump had accused him of prolonging the “killing field” by refusing to surrender the Russia-occupied Crimea Peninsula as part of a possible deal.

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has denied authorising payment of N6 billion as compensation to any group in the State.
Okpebholo made the clarification in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, yesterday in Benin.
The governor was reacting to a publication by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a proscribed terrorist group, accusing him of allocating N6 billion to “compensate terrorists.”
The group also accused Okpebholo of betraying the people of the State in the process.
Reacting, the Governor described the allegation as fictitious, malicious, and misleading, aimed at discrediting his government and stirring public unrest.
He labelled the allegation as inciteful and a calculated attempt to distort facts, sow ethnic division, and destabilise the state.
According to him, this tactic align with IPOB’s history of spreading falsehood and inciting hatred under the pretence of defending ethnic interests.
Okpebholo added that IPOB’s desperate bid to associate his administration with violence and disunity would not succeed and must be resisted by all.
He emphasised that the Edo government has never and would never compensate individuals or groups involved in terrorism or criminal activities.
Okpebholo said he was committed to justice and the rule of law, prioritising citizens’ safety regardless of background or belief.
He described the claim that vigilantes were handed over to “Fulani authorities” as absurd, disrespectful, and an insult to security personnel’s sacrifices.
“IPOB’s latest attempt to incite ethnic unrest is criminal and has been outrightly rejected by the people of Edo.
“Edo residents are renowned for peace, unity, and hospitality. The State rejects IPOB’s dangerous rhetoric and attempts to destabilise our harmonious coexistence.
“Their failed attempt to implant terror in Edo is a clear example of propaganda with no place in our peace-loving society.
“A group that enforces illegal sit-at-home orders and commits murder cannot pretend to speak for justice or human rights in any form.
“Security agencies are urged to investigate and prosecute those behind this publication to protect Edo from ethnic conflict and further misinformation,” the governor stated.
According to him, no group, regardless of their platform, should be allowed to endanger public peace or manipulate facts for violent political gains.
He assured that Edo government remained focused on peace, inclusive development, and ensuring security for every law-abiding resident.