STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE: NARC AND KING’S COLLEGE LONDON PARTNER TO ENHANCE HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT

By: Our Reporter

The Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), Abuja, marked yet another significant milestone, as participants of the Strategic Leadership Programme Phase 11/2024 successfully graduated in a brief but colourful ceremony at Hall C, TY Buratai Block of the Centre.

The graduation ceremony followed an intensive five-day executive education course programme, conducted in collaboration with King’s College London, an initiative designed to enhance human resource capacity and deepen participants’ understanding of leadership in an evolving global environment.

The course brought together senior officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, government officials, retired senior military officers and professionals from the private sector, equipping them with critical insights into the contemporary complex and dynamic challenges and how to navigate through.

The Special Guest of Honour, Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OO Oluyede GSS mni was represented by the Chief of Training (Army), Major General SG Mohammed, who presented certificates to the participants, thus underscoring the programme’s importance in fostering strategic thinking and professional growth.

The event was further enriched by the esteemed presence of the Director General of NARC, Major General GA Wahab (Rtd), PhD, alongside some management staff the centre and consultants, distinguished members of academia from King’s College London, directors, resource persons, and senior officers, both serving and retired.

The ceremony, further highlighted the enduring partnership between NARC and King’s College London in advancing leadership excellence and human capital development in Nigeria.

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE: NARC AND KING’S COLLEGE LONDON PARTNER TO ENHANCE HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT

MADONNA UNIVERSITY STUDENTS VISIT NIGERIAN ARMY RESOURCE CENTER TO LEARN THE MILITARY’S ROLE IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

By: Our Reporter

On Thursday, 21st November 2024, the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), Abuja, welcomed students from Madonna University, Department of International Relations on an academic field trip designed to enhance their understanding of the practical dimensions of International Relations and Diplomacy. The visit formed a core part of the students’ academic programme, specifically their International Relations Study (IRS) 482 course, which integrates practical learning to bridge the gap between theory and real-world applications.

Major General GA Wahab (rtd) PhD, the Director General of NARC, delivered a compelling presentation titled “Impact of the Military on Nigeria’s External Relations.” He outlined the military’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s foreign policy and international engagement, emphasising its role as a crucial pillar of national power. General Wahab further explained that a country’s foreign policy is deeply influenced by internal factors such as leadership, national security, public opinion, economic conditions, and social structures, as well as external factors, including international relations and global order. He stressed the importance of aligning internal stability with foreign policy goals to foster effective international diplomacy.

The interactive session allowed students to explore the military’s strategic role in Nigeria’s external engagements and its impact on global diplomacy. Accompanied by two faculty members, the students expressed appreciation for the hands-on learning opportunity, which deepened their understanding of how theoretical concepts translate into practical realities.

In his vote of thanks, the team leader, Dr Jude Odigbo, Head, international relations department, thanked the DG NARC for the warm reception, wonderful and enriching presentation and the collaboration between academia and strategic institutions like NARC. He highlighted the importance of such partnerships in developing graduates equipped with practical knowledge and leadership skills necessary for national development.

The field trip underscored the Nigerian Army Resource Centre’s commitment to fostering academic and professional collaboration while promoting awareness of the military’s multifaceted contributions to Nigeria’s development and diplomacy. This initiative serves as an exemplary model of how academic institutions and national establishments can work together to prepare future leaders.

Present at the occasion were Major General AS Ndalolo mni, the Executive Director Consult at NARC, Brigadier General SK Usman (rtd) mni and Lieutenant Tosin Taiwo.

MADONNA UNIVERSITY STUDENTS VISIT NIGERIAN ARMY RESOURCE CENTER TO LEARN THE MILITARY’S ROLE IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

NBMA Debunks Allegations of Negligence, Compromise Against It

By: Michael Mike

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer (DG/CEO) of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Dr. Yemisi Asagbra debunked some allegations level against the agency by some non governmental organisations (NGOs) concerning negligence and compromise.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, Asagbra said: “The negative statements circulating are misleading and lack credible scientific backing. The agency asks these organisations to present verifiable scientific evidence for their claims and we relies on sound scientific research and internationally recognized protocols to make informed decisions. It is part of the Cartagena Protocol with over 180 parties, our mandate is to protect the health of Nigerians and the environment. It will not compromise on this as it is an agency of integrity.

She added that: “The agency is transparent and accountable in its operations. It invites review of its processes and rigorous evaluations of GMO products. We are confident in our procedures that it’s meet global standards and it is a leader in effective regulation in Africa”.

On the source of the allegations, she said “over the years they have been advocating to have their presence in the board where all these products coming will be thoroughly Investigated, but it hasn’t been given. Most times we rely on the information given by Nigeria Custom Service to furnish them with needed information, which most time is not always easy if they have other things doing.

The Head planning, research and statistics National Biosafety Management Agency Mrs. Bello Scholastica said the agency is concerned with safety to our health and safety to our environment.

She further reiterated that what NBMA stands for is to establish first regulation from identification of the gene of interest, “of what you are interested in, from then till commercialization, and even after commercialization, they still follow suit to make sure that the approvals they gave hasn’t caused any harm, or those that were given approval to that they stay put to what they were asked to do”.

She further explained that the agency has put in effort to promote environmental conservation and biosafety in Nigeria.

NBMA Debunks Allegations of Negligence, Compromise Against It