COAS INAUGURATES INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES COURSE 17/2024, UNDERSCORES COMMITMENT TO LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY IN MILITARY OPERATIONS

By: Our Reporter

In a significant stride toward enhancing language proficiency within the Nigerian Army, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General TA Lagbaja NAM, officially inaugurated Indigenous Languages Course 17/2024 today, October 15, 2024, at Hall C, TY Buratai Block, Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), Abuja. Representing the COAS at the event was the Chief of Administration (Army), Major General OJ Akpor, who highlighted the critical role of indigenous language training in improving communication and operational efficiency, particularly in diverse and challenging environments.

The inauguration ceremony attracted a distinguished audience, including the Director General of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Major General GA Wahab (Rtd), who was represented by the Executive Director Consult, Major General AS Ndalolo. Also in attendance were Principal Staff Officers from Army Headquarters, Directors at NARC, Consultants, the Managing Director of LACLIC Services Limited, and several resource persons, underscoring the importance of the initiative.

The Indigenous Languages Course, now in its 17th iteration, is part of the Army’s ongoing efforts to empower personnel with the linguistic skills necessary to enhance military operations, foster better community relations, and address security challenges across Nigeria’s multilingual regions.

COAS INAUGURATES INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES COURSE 17/2024, UNDERSCORES COMMITMENT TO LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY IN MILITARY OPERATIONS

MILITARY SECRETARY (ARMY) SENSITISES OFFICERS IN 1 DIVISION AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY ON CAREER PLANNING AND PROSPECTS

By: Our Reporter

The Military Secretary Army MS(A), Major General Eyitayo Folusho Oyinlola has sensitized officers in 1 Division Area of Responsibility on career planning and prospects in the Nigerian Army on 14 October 2024 at Headquarters 1 Division Auditorium, Kawo, Kaduna.

Earlier in his welcome address, the host and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Mayirenso Lander Saraso, expressed his appreciation to the MS(A) for the well packaged and informative lecture. He emphasized the importance of career planning in helping officers set professional goals and as well achieve them.

He noted that the lecture aligned with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy of ensuring that officers are well-informed about their postings, promotions, and professional growth. He encouraged participants to strive for excellence through hard work, discipline and commitment to duty. The GOC further urged participants to be actively engaged in the lecture by listening attentively and asking relevant questions to clear their doubts.

Before the commencement of his lecture and also in his closing remarks, the MS (A) Major General EF Oyinlola thanked the GOC for hosting the event and urged participants to take the lessons seriously, emphasizing the importance of sharing the knowledge learnt with other officers who could not attend due to operational commitments and exigencies. He reiterated the need for officers to be highly disciplined and avoid all acts that may jeopardize their career.

In attendance at the lecture were the Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna Major General John Ochefu Ochai, GOC 1 Division Major General MLD Saraso, Commanders and Principal Staff Officers from NDA and Headquarters 1 Division and participants drawn from various NA Formations, Units, Establishments and Schools within 1 Division Area of Responsibility.

Highlights of the event were the lecture on career planning in the NA delivered by the MS (A), signing of the visitors’ book, presentation of souvenirs and group photographs.

MILITARY SECRETARY (ARMY) SENSITISES OFFICERS IN 1 DIVISION AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY ON CAREER PLANNING AND PROSPECTS

ENHANCING NAF COMBAT POWER: CAS LEADS TECHNICAL TEAM TO ITALY FOR M-346 JET, AW-109 TREKKER HELI PROCUREMENT

By: Our Reporter

A team of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) experts, led by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, along with officials from the Ministries of Defence and Finance, recently participated in a Programme Management Review Meeting in Italy with Messrs Leonardo S.p.A.

The meeting aimed to finalise arrangements for the NAF’s acquisition of 24 M-346 Fighter Ground Attack (FGA) jets as well as an additional 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters to the 2 already procured by the NAF.

While in Italy, the CAS made a strategic stopover at the Leonardo Headquarters in Rome, where he engaged with top executives to consolidate a long-term partnership between the NAF and the company. He also inspected the first batch of 6 M-346 jets, noting that 3 are nearing completion, and evaluated key support systems required to boost the NAF’s operational readiness.

In the Review Meeting, the CAS received updates on the delivery schedules, confirming that the first 3 units of 24 M-346 aircraft to be built for Nigeria are expected by early 2025, with subsequent deliveries running until mid-2026. Meanwhile, with 2 Trekkers already acquired, the additional 10 are expected by early 2026.

The CAS recommended the establishment of a Programme Management Office to oversee the collaboration and ensure smooth project implementation. He also stressed the need for a maintenance hub in Nigeria to provide long-term support, especially for the M-346 fleet.

As part of the visit, the Leonardo Aircraft Division put on an aerial display to showcase the performance of the M-346 and highlight its advanced features. Capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, the M-346 will significantly strengthen Nigeria’s air combat capabilities.

On its part, the AW-109 will bolster combat support roles such as Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), tactical airlift and Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) amongst others.

The M-346 and Trekker acquisitions are key steps towards fleet renewal, in consonance with the CAS Command Philosophy to transform the NAF for greater agility and resilience, with emphasis on the optimization of force structure and establishment for enhanced operational effectiveness.
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