- By Halimah Olamide
The future of the Nigerian Army rests on the shoulders of the young officers who must have mastery of basic military skills to take up emerging security challenges.
General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General AE Abubakar stated this while addressing the 528 young officers undergoing conversion exercise at Headquarters 3 Division Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Jos, the Plateau State Capital.
Abubakar emphasised the importance of the officers being proficient in basic military skills, physical fitness and mental preparedness to tackle the evolving security challenges facing the nation.
He highlighted the significance of the conversion exercise in the career progression of Nigerian Army Officers, particularly those under the Short Service Commission and Direct Short Service Commission who aspire to serve the country beyond a specified service year as outlined in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of service.
He explained that the conversion exercise provides candidates with the opportunity to transition to Regular Combatant and Direct Regular Commissions within the Nigerian Army.
He further mentioned that candidates will undergo various physical, laboratory, and radiological examinations to assess their fitness in alignment with the requirements of the Nigerian Army.
While thanking the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TA Lagbaja NAM for the opportunity given to 3 Division to host the all important Nigerian Army event, he expressed confidence in the dedication and capabilities of the young officers undergoing the conversion process.
He urged them to approach this opportunity with diligence and commitment, recognizing the critical role they play in shaping the future of the Nigerian Army and safeguarding the nation’s security interests.
In congratulating the candidates on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff for being worthy of participating in the exercise, the GOC charged the candidates to maintain the highest standard of regimentation, discipline and carriage throughout the exercise.
He further warned against all forms of cheating to distort the process. ” I advise you to resist any temptation to cheat or collaborate with others, especially during the physical and skill at arms test” he averred.
He maintained that the Nigerian Army leadership had adequately prepared the candidates for the exercise through cadre organized to tutor them on required knowledge to excel during the Conversion Board. He urged the candidates to bring to bear the knowledge and experience they acquired during the cadre. The exercise is expected to last for 2 weeks.