In a bid to bridge the gap between leadership, policy implementation, and development in Africa, the Nigerian Defence Academy recently hosted a gathering of senior security officers, diplomats, and policy makers. The aim was to explore solutions in these critical areas of national defense, emphasizing the intersection of leadership, policy, and development.
The Nigerian Defence Academy, renowned as one of Africa’s foremost military institutions, has long been dedicated to cultivating a combat-ready force. Beyond its military focus, the academy has also established itself as a hub for education and capacity building, catering to both military personnel and civilians. This commitment to holistic development was on display at the 12th Leadership Lecture Series, organized by the Centre for Leadership and Complex Military Operations at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja.
At the event, Senator George Akume, the Special Guest of Honour and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, delivered a thought-provoking paper on “Leadership, Policy Implementation, and Development in Nigeria.” Emphasizing the need for long-term perspective in effective leadership, he stressed the importance of commitment, monitoring, and robust evaluation systems in policy implementation. Furthermore, he highlighted the imperative of fostering mindset shifts and promoting accountability mechanisms as part of the solution to leadership challenges.
Offering his insights, Lieutenant General Lamidi Adeosun, the Former Chief of Army Policy and Plans, astutely addressed the perennial challenge of “Policy Somersault.” He articulated the complexities that arise when leadership transitions occur, underscoring the current administration’s proactive stance in upholding the policies of its predecessors. General Adeosun lauded the current leadership for its decisiveness and fearlessness in making tough decisions, demonstrating a commitment to continuity and progress.
Dr. Bem Audu, Director of the Centre for the Study of Leadership and Complex Military Operations at the NDA, underscored the significance of ongoing stakeholder engagement in comprehending governmental processes. He highlighted that the quarterly lecture series serves as a platform for in-depth sectoral analysis, solution-oriented discussions, and public enlightenment.
Dr. Mariam Hamza of the Nigerian Defence Academy emphasized the systematic approach required to address the country’s challenges, stressing the need for comprehensive and structured problem-solving methodologies. Her perspective underscored the critical importance of asking the right questions to elicit effective solutions.
The significance of experiential learning was echoed by Mr. Olaniyi Shoyinka, an academy student, who underscored the value of firsthand insights from practitioners in the field. He praised the practical experience gained from engaging with prominent policy makers and government officials, noting the enhancement it brings to theoretical classroom learning.
In unison, these voices underscored the importance of proactive leadership, strategic policy implementation, and continual stakeholder engagement in propelling national development. The event not only facilitated knowledge exchange but also illuminated the path forward, underscoring the imperative of collaborative and informed decision-making for sustainable progress.
