The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAIPKC) have trained military personnel from Nigeria and some West African countries on detection of causes of insurrection and protection of civilians during conflict.
The training, organised by the MLAIPKC and the UNDP with support from the Japanese government, is design to also help the personnel in examining the concept of strategic thinking and emotional intelligence to detect the causes of disunity, disintegration, and insurrection in society.
At the inauguration of the Leadership and National Cohesion Course 2/2024 in Abuja, MLAIPKC Commandant, Major General Ademola Adedoja, explained that the course will provide officers with a comprehensive understanding of the concept and qualities of a good leader.
Adedoja added that the course will also expose participants to the need for mentoring, as well as the roles of leaders in harnessing Nigeria’s diverse cultures to ensure national cohesion.
“Furthermore, the course will x-ray the concept of strategic thinking and emotional intelligence, causes of disunity, disintegration, and insurrection in societies, and finally looks at ways to rebuild the broken bonds and bridges among diverse groups for national cohesion.”
According to Adedoja, at the end of the course, participants will be empowered to effect positive changes and contribute meaningfully towards enhancing peace, security, and the safety of citizens in Nigeria and the African region.
UNDP’s Team Lead, Governance, Peace & Security, Matthew Alao, urged participants to approach the course with an open mind, a profound commitment to personal growth, and a clear vision of contributing to Nigeria’s peaceful and prosperous future.
Alao informed them that their diverse backgrounds are not just a demographic reality but a strategic asset in developing holistic, inclusive approaches to national development, adding that the impact of the project will manifest in the coming years.
Represented by Oluwatosin Richard, Project Analyst at the Governance, Peace, and Security Unit, Alao highlighted the importance of empowering individuals as a means of achieving sustainable development.
The team lead reiterated UNDP’s commitment to collaborating with partners to strengthen Nigerian leadership.
He emphasised that the completion of the course marked the emergence of new leaders equipped with the vision, skills, and commitment needed to drive meaningful change in Nigeria.
Alao noted that these leaders were prepared to listen, learn, adapt, and serve others to make a positive impact on the nation.
“The past week has been a transformative experience designed to challenge conventional leadership programmes.
“The graduates have gone through intensive modules that transcend traditional boundaries, addressing critical intersections of governance, peace, security, and national cohesion.
“This is not just an academic exercise; it is a practical pathway to unlocking our collective potential,” Alao stated.
In a similar vein, the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, who was represented by the Defence Attaché, Lt.-Col. Morita Tatsuya, commended the course as part of broader efforts to provide comprehensive insights into leadership challenges.
Kazuyoshi emphasised Japan’s ongoing support for African-led peace support operations and capacity-building initiatives across the continent.
“We recognise the crucial role of African-led peace support operations in maintaining peace and stability across the continent.
“In Nigeria, we have been actively supporting peacekeeping operation training in partnership with UNDP and various training centres for the past six years, including this esteemed institution,” Kazuyoshi said
