By: Sani Uba

The Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOC NA) in line with its motto which is “Towards Greater Heights ” remains the centre of excellence for the NA in capacity building and resourcefulness.

Additionally, the command evaluates the proficiency of officers while developing their leadership capabilities that will assist NA in the career planning of officers.

Reward for merit occupies a special place in the life of every service personnel. It is in the light of this that TRADOC NA in conjunction with AHQ put together the fourth edition of TRADOC NA Merit Award for the year 2024 which held on Friday 1 November, 2024 at the newly built Lieutenant General TA Lagbaja Multipurpose Hall in Minna Military Cantonment.

At the occasion, 26 officers who distinguished themselves in various promotional examinations were honoured with awards of academic excellence, as well as a deserving NA Division that performed most commendably among various Div Training Schools.

The command also used the occasion to appreciate some distinguished personalities who contributed to the progress and development of TRADOC NA. The award also sought to reward and recognise hard work, dedication and commitment of NA officers while promoting healthy competition among Corps or institutions towards enhancing professionalism. The 2024 Merit Awards was a testament to the NA’s commitment to excellence and professionalism.

In his remarks at the event, the Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, who was the Special Guest of Honour (SGoH), acknowledged the significance of the Merit Award to the NA. The Acting COAS, who was represented by the Director-General, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC), Maj Gen Obinna Ajunwa, expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to celebrate the hard work and dedication of officers who excelled in the NA promotion examinations conducted by the TRADOC NA in the year 2024.

He disclosed that the initiative will encourage officers to prepare adequately for future examinations and stimulate junior officers to strive for excellence thereby, enhancing professionalism in the NA. The Acting COAS also emphasised on the significance of recognising commitment and professionalism of officers, noting that the promotion examinations were crucial determinants of officers’ career progression.

The SGoH congratulated the awardees and highlighted the role of the TRADOC in fostering a culture of excellence and healthy competition among officers.

He also thanked the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his continuous support to the NA. The Acting COAS also commended the Commander, TRADOC NA, Maj Gen Kevin Aligbe for his effort in moving TRADOC in line with international best practices.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief Host and Commander TRADOC NA, Maj Gen Kevin Aligbe, reflected on the significance of the Merit Awards, which was first introduced in the year 2021.

Maj Gen Aligbe noted that the awards had become essential in promoting administrative efficiency and operational effectiveness within the Army. He further stated that the evaluations and assessments carried out by TRADOC NA had led to improvements in the quality of training across various NA schools, formations and units.

“This year’s ceremony introduced a new category, the Best Division Award, which evaluates divisions based on the performance of their training schools.“The change aims to recognize the unique challenges faced by different divisions, ensuring a fair assessment of their training activities towards meeting their respective operational tasks.

Maj Gen Aligbe disclosed that the Army’s training objectives for the year 2024 were met, with a comprehensive report expected at the upcoming COAS Annual Conference in Abuja.

“Also, as part of NA’s commitment to community welfare and broader civil-military cooperation, approximately 33,000 educational materials (exercise books and writing materials ) were distributed to over 7,000 children in 4 schools within the Minna Military Cantonment as part of this year’s TRADOC NA Educational Support Programme,” he said.

The Commander TRADOC NA expressed his profound appreciation to the COAS for his unrelenting material as well as financial support to TRADOC NA.

This support, according to him, ensured the completion of the newly commissioned Lt Gen TA Lagbaja Multipurpose Hall. The merit awards include the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Commendation Award for Excellence, for Lieutenant-Captain Practical Promotion Examination, Awards for the Best Candidates Per Subject in Captain to Major Practical Promotion Examination, Captain to Major Written Promotion Examination as well as award for the Senior Staff Course Qualifying Examination among

The event also marked the commissioning of the newly constructed Lt Gen TA Lagbaja Multipurpose Hall, underscoring the NA’s commitment to enhancing training and social activities within Minna Military Cantonment.

The gigantic project was commissioned by the Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) , Maj Gen Olufemi Oluyede represented by the Director General Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC), Maj Gen Obinna Ajunwa.

Also in attendance at the event were Principal Staff Officers from Defence and Service Headquarters , Heads of Defence, Services, Agencies and Establishments , Commanders and Commandants of NA Formations and Schools, Heads and Representatives of the Security Agencies Heads and Representatives of Federal Government Departments and Agencies, Senior Military Officers (Serving and Retired) amongst others.

Some highlights of the event were goodwill messages by some past Commanders of TRADOC NA ( Maj Gens SU Abdulkadir, MA Koleoso and SO Olabanji retired), special performance by NYSC Cultural Troupe and Stereoman Ekwe.

NIGERIAN ARMY CELEBRATES EXCELLENCE AT TRADOC MERIT AWARD 2024