The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has charged the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC) with conducting a comprehensive examination of policies, practices, and procedures to enhance the army’s capabilities.
Lagbaja issued this directive during the inaugural seminar of the center, held under the theme, “Transforming the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre from Dream to Reality,” in Abuja on Thursday. He highlighted that the center’s establishment, initiated by retired Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, aimed to function as a research hub for generating innovative ideas, policies, and strategies for the army.
In light of the multitude of security challenges the army currently faces across all geopolitical zones, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, farmers/herders clashes, and oil theft, Lagbaja emphasized the potential of this event to bolster the Nigerian Army’s capabilities. He expressed his belief that through analysis of policies, practices, and procedures, coupled with innovation and technology, the NAHFC could propose novel and practical solutions.
Lagbaja elucidated his command philosophy, which centers on transforming the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, well-equipped, and highly motivated force to fulfill constitutional responsibilities within a joint operational environment. He encouraged NAHFC’s officers and staff to leverage the knowledge and experience of the resource persons for their own benefit and that of the center.
Highlighting the uniqueness of NAHFC as the first of its kind in West Africa, Lagbaja urged the staff to maintain a high standard of work that could rival similar institutions worldwide. He pledged his continuous support for the center’s activities, which would include workshops, seminars, and field trips to enhance the staff’s expertise and contribute to the Nigerian Army’s initiatives when needed.
The Director-General of NAHFC, Maj.-Gen. Obinnna Ajunwa, emphasized the center’s role as a research hub addressing specific thematic challenges of the army through studies, analysis, and policy formulations aimed at achieving optimal operational and administrative outcomes. Ajunwa outlined the seminar’s carefully planned agenda, aligned with the founding fathers’ intent and the center’s mandate, in support of the army and in line with the COAS’ command philosophy.
Maj.-Gen. Ajunwa also described ongoing efforts to realize the founding fathers’ vision, including committee reports and consultations with senior officers, both serving and retired. He cited lecture series on contemporary security issues and research into past military achievements, with a focus on shaping the Nigerian Army’s future in a complex and uncertain security environment.
