The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has acknowledged the commitment of the Nigerian Army to promoting gender inclusiveness and integration in all its activities and operations.
Lagbaja said this yesterday in Abuja at the opening of a one-week leadership and mentoring course for senior female officers in the Nigerian Security Sector Institutions.
The course was organised by the National Defence College’s (NDC’s) Centre for Strategic Research and Studies in collaboration with the UN Women and German Government.
Represented by the Deputy Chief of Training (Army), Maj.-Gen. Olusegun Abai, the COAS said the Nigerian Army had long recognised the importance of female officers to peace dynamics.
He noted that more than ever before, the inclusion of women was important to peace and initiatives, such as the course, and was among the vital stepping stones towards achieving that goal.
Lagbaja said: “The Nigerian Army is an institution committed to principles of equality, professionalism, and service to the nation.
“Throughout its history, it has prided itself in adapting to the needs of the country, maintaining high standards of excellence, and reflecting the diversity of Nigeria in all its ranks.
“Over the years, we have increasingly recognised the need for gender inclusivity, not just as a moral imperative but as a functional necessity.
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“The efforts of the Nigerian Army towards gender inclusivity are rooted in the understanding that true strength lies in diversity.
“It is this diversity that allows us to be adaptive, resilient, and capable of tackling the real challenges that confront our nation.”
The COAS described the course as a remarkable initiative for enhancing gender responsive security operations and community dialogue project.
He added that the event had brought to the fore the indispensable contribution that women make in security, peace-building, and national development.
According to him, women are key to enhancing the nation’s security institutions for personal effectiveness and cultural awareness, given their unique strength and capabilities.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, who was represented by Aishatu Abubakar, an Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), said the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) management had been intentional about mentorship.
Egbetokun said the police had, over the years, implemented different reforms, especially those with specific mentorship for policewomen.