Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), has tipped quality leadership and decision-making as tools for conflict resolution.
He stated this in Abuja on Thursday when he was featured as the special guest of honour at the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN), Fifth Edition of the Nigerian Civil War (NCW) symposium.
According to a statement by AWCN, the symposium is a pivotal part of Module Six military history of the AWCN curriculum, which provides a platform for presentations and discussions on the Nigerian Civil War.
The symposium which was held at the TY Buratai Auditorium in Asokoro Abuja, had the theme: “The Dynamics of Leadership and Decision Making During the Nigerian Civil War: Lessons for Operational Level Commanders.”
While reiterating the significance of the Civil War which lasted from 1967-1970, Gowon noted: “The Nigerian Civil War remains a crucial part of our history, with profound lessons for us all. As someone who served as Head of State during this unstable period, I can attest to the complexities and challenges we faced. Reflecting on those experiences, I am reminded of the critical importance of leadership and decision-making in times of conflict.”
He also recalled key lessons from the war, which he referred to as unity and ethical leadership.
He stressed that the lessons were not peculiar to the past but enhanced current and future military operations.
The warlord enjoined participants, especially operational-level commanders, to imbibe the lessons, and foster a sense of duty, patriotism and commitment to national unity and peace.
The Chief Host, and Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, examined the critical roles of leadership at all levels of warfare, especially at the operational level.
Lagbaja who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalam Ibrahim, said: “The operational level leader must be adept in operational art. With advancements in military science and technology, there was a misconception to downplay the study of military history and the development of operational art.”
“However, experiences have shown that the outcome of warfare is determined by intangible factors such as leadership, intellect, morale and courage.”
General Lagbaja, added that leadership was the first pillar of his command philosophy, which is “to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.”
He expressed confidence that the symposium would significantly contribute to developing leadership qualities in participants and enhance the successes of Nigerian troops in various theatres of operation.
The COAS, expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unalloyed guidance and support to the Nigerian Army.
He noted that the achievements of the Nigerian Army in various operations became possible through the president’s continued support.
The Commandant of AWCN, Major General Ishaya Maina, said: “The symposium provides an avenue to academically dissect the tactical, operational, and strategic activities of the Nigerian Civil War for better comprehension of battlefield events and outcomes.”
“This brings out useful lessons that could assist in addressing contemporary security threats facing the nation,” he said.
The symposium featured a lecture on “The Dynamics of Leadership and Decision-Making in the Nigerian Civil War: Lessons for Operational Level Commanders.
It was delivered by Professor Shedrack Gaya Best, the Vice Chancellor of Plateau State University (Bokkos).
Best who gave in-depth insights into some critical aspects of leadership and decision-making during the Civil War, stressed that the virtues offered valuable lessons for current and future military leaders.
