The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Folunsho Oyinlola, has urged senior non-commissioned officers (NCOs) to adopt ethical, visionary, and emotionally intelligent leadership as key drivers of operational success and national security.

Maj Gen Oyinlola made the call during the inauguration of the Leadership Awareness and Development Course organized by the Nigerian Army Resource Center (NARC) for senior NCOs of 3 Division and Operation Enduring Peace, held at the 3 Division Auditorium, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos.

Describing the training as a pivotal step in strengthening leadership capacity within the force, Oyinlola said the course reflects the Army’s commitment to excellence and professional growth.

“This course represents our continuous quest for excellence and professional growth. It was conceived from the critical need to strengthen the leadership capabilities of our senior non-commissioned officers who serve as the essential bridge between officers and soldiers,” he stated.

He noted that the initiative aligns with the Chief of Army Staff’s “Soldier First” philosophy and strategic training directives aimed at transforming the Nigerian Army into a combat-ready, motivated, and efficient force capable of meeting constitutional obligations within joint and multi-agency operations.

Commending the Nigerian Army Resource Center for its collaboration, the GOC described the course as timely in view of the nation’s evolving security challenges. He charged participants to seize the opportunity, engage fully, and return to their units as transformed leaders capable of inspiring loyalty, integrity, and mission success.

“Effective leadership is the cornerstone of mission success and the key to winning the trust and confidence of the civil populace. Approach this course with open minds and readiness to engage, share, and learn,” he added.

Representing the Director General of the Nigerian Army Resource Center, Maj Gen James Myam (rtd), the Executive Director, Consult, Maj Gen Sanusi Dahiru, emphasized the vital role of senior NCOs in maintaining a strong and functional command structure.

“The chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Senior NCOs form the link between officers and soldiers. When they are well-trained and knowledgeable, the military’s command structure functions effectively, ensuring smooth translation of directives and enhancing operational performance,” he stated.

Maj Gen Dahiru explained that the course—currently being held across all divisions of the Nigerian Army—is designed to standardize leadership training for senior NCOs to boost professionalism and operational efficiency nationwide.

He highlighted that the training focuses on global and national security dynamics, leadership development, changing security landscapes, and the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy, which guides leadership goals, decision-making, and resilience in challenging environments.

The Leadership Awareness and Development Course, scheduled from October 13 to 17, 2025, brings together selected senior non-commissioned officers from various commands to enhance capacity, leadership effectiveness, and national security outcomes.