By Nkechi Eze
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, has underscored the need for unwavering professionalism and rigorous troop supervision among officers, as key components of operational effectiveness. He made this known during his closing remarks at the 81 Division Officers Training Week, which was held at the Calf Officers Mess, TA Lagbaja Cantonment, Ikeja, Lagos on June 24, 2025.
According to a statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, the GOC stressed that continuous training remains an indispensable tool in equipping Army personnel with the tactical proficiency needed to perform their duties effectively across units and formations.
General Mijinyawa acknowledged the complexity of Nigeria’s current security landscape, noting that strong leadership, especially at the junior level remains pivotal in navigating operational challenges. He stated that the training week served as a platform for officers to refine their understanding of operational planning at the tactical level, which is particularly relevant for the conduct of military operations in Lagos State and its environs.
“This training has afforded participants the opportunity to sharpen their skills and gain better insight into planning and executing operations in a complex security environment. I urge all officers to fully incorporate the knowledge gained during this week and justify the purpose of this training with greater effectiveness in the field,” he said.
The week-long programme drew participants from across formations and units under the Division. Earlier in the event, the Commander 9 Brigade, Brigadier General Olawale Oyekola, had welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of the theme for this year’s training: “Developing Capacity for Officers to Meet the Contemporary Challenges in a Joint Environment.” He encouraged participants to approach the sessions with open minds and take full advantage of the interactive engagements to improve their individual and collective competencies.
In a vote of thanks, the Chief of Staff, Headquarters 9 Brigade, Colonel Ibrahim Sheriff, expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) for his support and strategic direction. He also thanked Major General Mijinyawa for his leadership, as well as the Commander 9 Brigade and all formation and unit commanders who contributed to the successful execution of the training week.
A key feature of the event was a series of lectures designed to address both operational and wellness issues within the military. These included presentations on “Impact of Effective Leadership on Operational Efficiency: The Role of Junior Commanders,” “Maintaining Discipline Among Personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria: An Analysis of Prevalent Offences Within 81 Division Area of Responsibility,” and “Approaches to Cardiovascular Health Promotion Amongst Nigerian Army Personnel.”
The lecture sessions witnessed active participation from junior commanders, commanding officers, staff officers, and other key stakeholders across the Division, and provided a robust forum for learning, interaction, and experience-sharing.
The event concluded with the presentation of souvenirs and group photographs, symbolizing the Division’s collective commitment to professionalism and operational excellence.
