By Sani Idris
Former Chief of Army Staff, HE Amb Lt Gen Tukur Buratai (rtd) has said that it requires collective and effective leadership effort at all levels to achieve national cohesion, especially in a diverse and multicultural society. Gen Buratai (rtd) stated this during the graduation ceremony of the one-week Leadership and National Cohesion Course, organized by the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which took place today Friday 13, December 2024, at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) Asokoro, Abuja.
The former Army Boss, who attended the event as Special Guest of Honor, emphasized the critical importance of collective efforts in promoting national cohesion amid the nation’s multicultural landscape. He further urged the participants to be embodiment of integrity, honesty and patriotism which are some of the key leadership virtues.
“You are ambassadors of hope, beacons of positive change and champions of national cohesion. The contemporary society require quality leaders who are equipped with knowledge and competencies to navigate complex challenges, bridge divides and inspire collective action”, he noted.
Speaking on the importance of the training, Amb Buratai said the primary objective of the Leadership and National Cohesion Courseis to equip participants with the requisite expertise to analyze complex national issues. Adding that national cohesion is not just a concept but a necessity for the peace, development and unity of diverse and multicultural
nations. He then urged the participants to leverage on the knowledge gained during the week long training to enhance leadership capacity and drive positive changes in their various communities and organizations.
In his graduation speech, the Commandant MLAILPKC, Major General Ademola Adedoja, expressed optimism that the aim of the course was greatly actualized as the participants are now better informed on the interconnection between leadership and national cohesion.
While congratulating them for successfully completing the course, the Commandant
expressed satisfaction at the display of high level of interest and zeal to learn by the participants during all the phases of the training.
He said the graduation ceremony is a realization of one of the Centre’s core mandate of training quality and competent leaders, especially for peace support operations in accordance with United Nations Standard.
The Commandant thanked the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede for his continued support that has ensured the smooth and successful conduct of all the Centre’s courses and activities for the year 2024.
He equally appreciated the UNDP and the government of Japan for the quality collaboration that has seen to human capacity development, noting that the collaboration will be sustained and improved on in the coming year.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates to the participants by the special guest of honor and presentation of souvenirs to dignitaries.
Attendance during the event included the former Chief of Policy and plans Army, Lt Gen LO Adeosun (rtd); former GOC 7 Division, Maj Gen Bulama Biu (rtd); DG NARC, Maj Gen GA Wahab (rtd); Deputy Chief of Training Army, Maj Gen Etsu-Ndagi; Rep of the Amb of Japan; UNDP Rep. Among others.
