On Wednesday, the Nigerian Army decided to start its three-day capacity building workshop on Protocol and Liaison Duties, a programme which was geared toward enhancing the capabilities of officers in the protocol and liaison operations, as well as military diplomacy. The workshop, themed “Enhancing the Nigerian Army Protocol and Liaison Capacity for Efficient Service Delivery”, was said to have been organized by the Army Headquarters’ Department of Special Services and programme.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, whist speaking at the commencement of the event, noted that the workshop was established out of the need for a more effective coordination of the army liaison, special and ceremonial events as well as the other programmes, all in line with best practices. He disclosed that establishing the Directorate of Protocol in the department was an evident illustration of their desire to promote international best practices and regulations in handling diplomatic protocols, precedence and etiquette.
Military-to-military bilateral contact to improve optimal performance.
COAS further revealed that thus far, the department had been able to identify and enact laudable initiatives focused on helping the army reposition its protocol and liaison duties to enhance optimal performance in support of their operational objectives. He stated that the initiative to collaborate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other creditable institutions for undertaking special courses to build personnel capacity was a good move. Lt-Gen. Yahaya said this initiative would enhance the force’s capacity to carry out its duties efficiently and professionally during domestic and international engagements.
He explained that an increase in the military-to-military bilateral contact and engagement with global allies would increase the call for a more coordinated understanding of protocol functions in support for strategic engagements. The COAS further noted that the present security status quo was dynamic and characterized complexities and uncertainties which call for an increased liaison with stakeholders at the different levels. This, he explained, called for immense training and capacity development for the facilitation of various levels of engagement with internal and external stakeholders.
Army promises to continually fight insurgency and other armed groups.
The workshop was thus noted as a scheme to develop the capabilities of army personnel for conducting protocol duties in furtherance to the strategies of the army and objectives of operation. The Lt-General thus promised that the Nigerian army would continually act professionally in building all aspects of their fighting power to indicate its readiness for fulfillment of its constitutional duties to defend the country. He lauded the competence shown by the personnel during the Presidential and Gubernatorial elections and pledged a continuity at providing the right leadership for the troops.
Lt-Gen. Yahaya also promised to further sustain commitment toward acquiring more platforms and equipment to ensure that the fight against insurgency and other armed groups that have ravaged the security status quo in the country were brought to an end. He thus encouraged the personnel to continue being professionals in their conduct, as well as portraying the Nigerian Army in a good light. Also, the Chief of Special Services and Programmes, Major General Emeka Onumajuru revealed that the army had increased its interface with internal and external stakeholders, in a bid to curb the national and sun-regional security challenges that had ravaged Nigeria.
Protocol to facilitate better interaction between officers in the army.
Amb. Oluwole Coker, a retired diplomat and the keynote speaker at the event, whilst backing the need for capacity building of military personnel, stated that military diplomacy was one of the most important diplomatic relations aspect of every country. He indicated that it was only necessary for military officers involved in the internal activities of the force to be the most knowledgeable of the protocol and liaison responsibilities. Amb. Akin Oyeteru, a speaker at the event, also said that this protocol would enhance the facilitation of smooth interaction amongst the personnel.
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Nigerian army to enhance military diplomacy – 3 days capacity building workshop geared toward improving military diplomacy. – Express your point of view.
The Nigerian Army needs diplomacy. I agree that we should have peace accord with other countries. It will help on our diplomatic relations with the other countries.
The focus on military diplomacy should not overshadow the need for domestic security and development. The Nigerian government should address the root causes of insecurity such as
poverty, unemployment, and corruption. Nevertheless, the Nigerian army’s move to enhance its military diplomacy is an important step towards addressing the evolving security challenges in the country and the region. It will require sustained efforts and close cooperation with other countries and international organizations.
3 days capacity building workshop geared toward improving military diplomacy. 3vdays capacity building workshop is not enough for Nigeria. The issues and challenges in this country is bigger than 3 days workshop. I think they need more
Nigerian army to enhance military diplomacy is a nice step to take we need to solve issue of insecurity in the country our army are trying hard they just need more support so we can eradicate insecurity from the country
Building the capacity and the ability of the military is absolutely essential bravery security breach in Nigeria is rampant. We need capable military forces to help reduce those cases
An essential step towards meeting the ever-changing security issues in Nigeria and the region is the military’s recent decision to strengthen its military diplomacy.
The fact that this effort will improve the force’s capabilities to carry out its tasks in an effective and professional manner during local and international engagements is quite exciting.
It’s encouraging to see the Nigerian military making efforts to improve military diplomacy in an effort to address the country’s insecurity; the military has been working hard, but it could use more resources in order to succeed.
It’s encouraging to see the Nigerian military making efforts to improve military diplomacy; this would go a long way towards resolving the country’s insecurity problem.
The 3 days capacity building workshop organized by the Arms targeted towards improving military diplomacy, will ensure better international relationship by increase the call for a more coordinated understanding of protocol functions in support for strategic engagements globally. This will invariably boost the moral of the Nigeria Arms and their sense of important in stabilizing peace in the nation.
The three days program organized by the Nigerian Arm will ensure that their protocol and liaison operations, as well as military diplomacy are improved. It also gives them a sense of belonging and their importance in nationa in ensuring peace and stability. Their international relationship as well is improved too.
The initiative to embark on 3 days capacity building workshop by the Nigerian army is a plausible one and should be appreciated. This will truly enhance military diplomacy.I hope for more of this from our Nigerian army.