The Nigerian Army's Division Training Officers have begun their training week for 2023, according to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya.
Gen. Yahaya stated during his opening remarks on Tuesday at the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Rukuba Barracks, close to Jos, the purpose of the training is to equip the Divisional Training Officers with the knowledge and abilities to manage new dynamics of non-kinetic threats in a modern security environment.
Yahaya, who was represented by Maj. Gen. Itsu-Ndagi, Chief of Training, Army Headquarters Abuja, stated that the goal of this year's training is to give Division Training Officers a forum to share ideas and develop strategies to improve training at their individual division training schools.
With the theme: “Enhancing Training at Division Level for Better Operational Performance in a Joint Environment”, the Army Chief said regular training of officers will help bridge the gap observed in previous training activities with the view to address challenges and ensure consistency in training across all Nigerian Army formations for better operational performance.
According to him: “I consider it expedient to provide the forum at the beginning of each training year an opportunity to brainstorm and upgrade their skills. This initiative is consistent with our vision which is to have a professional Nigerian Army ready to accomplish and assigned missions within the joint environment in defence of Nigeria.
“Also, this training week offers a unique opportunity to drive home the vision and its cardinal pillars which are professionalism, readiness, sound administration and cooperation.
“The training week will also provide a platform for sharing experience to enhance your capacities to better carry out responsibilities as Division Training Officers”, Yahaya said.
Earlier in his speech, the General Officer Commanding, the 3 Division Nigerian Army and the Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim, said effective training of personnel must be done in formation and units, saying that is where the bulk of young officers and soldiers are stationed.
Gen. Ibrahim said the week-long training will give officers the opportunity to brainstorm and discuss how training will be carried out in the grassroots formations.
Our correspondent reports that the Divisional Training Officers week, brought together all heads of training officers in all Nigerian Army formations across the country to interact in Jos for a 5-day training workshop.