The Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management (NACOLM) in conjunction with ECOWAS have concluded a 5-day Operational Level Logistics in the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) Peace Support Operations Training.
The training was rounded off on Friday, 2 June 2023 at the Ogomudia Hall, NACOLM Annex Campus Moloney, Lagos.
Delivering the welcome address, the Commandant, NACOLM, Major General Adekunle Adeyinka expressed delight at the end of the maiden edition of the Training on Operational Level Logistics in ECOWAS Peace Support Operations for Personnel of the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF).
He added that the success of Peace Support Operations (PSOs) has been measured using circumstances such as improvement in the status quo, the accomplishment of the mandate and the end of conflict among other benchmarks.
He further stated that in the past five days, though rigorous but interesting, noting that the participants were positively engaged on the operating procedures for streamlining and standardizing the provision of logistics support in ECOWAS PSOs.
Gen Adeyinka noted that participants were acquainted with the ESF Logistics Concept and System. Other areas included planning considerations for logistics support, supply sources, health support services, Contingent Own Equipment (COE), and humanitarian logistics.
General Adeyinka assured guests that he was confident that the participants have acquired the requisite skills needed to design and execute effective support plans for the deployment and sustainment of all components in a PSO.
He, therefore, commended the resource persons for their commitment, dedication and immense contribution which has culminated in the success of the training.
Declaring the training closed, the Special Guest of Honour, the Corps Commander, Supply and Transport (CCST), Major General Erema Akerejola stated that the conduct of PSOs are meant to stabilize conflict zones, separate warring parties, protect civilians, and assist in the disarmament, demobilization and re-integration of former combatants.
In his remarks, General Akerejola noted that the PSOs are also to support the organization of elections, protect and promote human rights and assist in restoring the rule of law, adding that over the years, it has been realized that the successful attainment of the mandate of most PSOs is essentially predicated on the quality of logistics support available to that mission.
Speaking earlier, Mr Danjuma Aku who represented the Director of Peacekeeping and Regional Security of the ECOWAS Commission, stated that the training had in attendance participants from the military, police and civilian Components of a typical PSOs which is aimed at enhancing knowledge of ECOWAS logistics in PSOs and impart on skills that would be useful when deployed in an ECOWAS PSOs.
He stressed that the training was to prepare them to function effectively in operational positions not only within a PSOs mission but also when they are back to their respective countries. He, therefore, urged the graduands to apply the knowledge they have garnered over the past few days to make a difference in their various work environments.
Mr Danjuma also expressed the appreciation of the ECOWAS Commission to the staff of NACOLM who have worked tirelessly to make the Course happen and provided the conducive learning environment.
Present at the event were NACOLM partners, Commandants of Nigerian Army Corps Schools within Lagos, esteemed resource persons and students of Logistics Staff Course 20/23 amongst others.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates to participants and souvenirs to invited dignitaries.
