Abuja, Oct. 14, 2024 (TheGavel) – The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to promoting gender inclusiveness and integration across all its activities and operations.
Lagbaja made this declaration in Abuja on Monday during the opening of a one-week Leadership and Mentoring Course for Senior Female Officers in Nigeria’s security sector. The course was organized by the National Defence College (NDC) Centre for Strategic Research and Studies, in partnership with UN Women and the German Government.
Represented by the Deputy Chief of Training (Army), Maj.-Gen. Olusegun Abai, Lagbaja emphasized the crucial role of female officers in fostering peace and stability. He highlighted that women’s inclusion is more critical than ever before, with initiatives like this course playing a key role in achieving such goals.
“The Nigerian Army is committed to the principles of equality, professionalism, and service to the nation,” said Lagbaja. “We have long recognized that true strength lies in diversity, and gender inclusivity is not just a moral imperative but a functional necessity.”
He added that diversity enables the Army to be adaptive and resilient, better equipped to address the real challenges facing the nation.
The course is part of efforts to enhance gender-responsive security operations and community dialogue, showcasing the indispensable contributions women make in security, peacebuilding, and national development. Lagbaja noted that women play a vital role in improving personal effectiveness and cultural awareness within security institutions.
Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, represented by AIG Aishatu Abubakar, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that mentorship programs for women in the police force have been a focal point in leadership development. Egbetokun stated that the Nigeria Police Force has engaged with UN Women and other stakeholders to foster mentorship among female officers, ensuring that women are equipped to take on leadership roles.
Similarly, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Audi, represented by Commander Charles Opera, highlighted the importance of empowering women for leadership roles. He stated that women in leadership would provide a balanced and comprehensive approach to addressing today’s complex security challenges.
“We are preparing them to take on more strategic roles in the defence and executive sectors of our nation,” Audi said. (NAN)
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