By Ngozi Nwankwo
The Commander Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOC NA), Major General Kevin Aligbe, has called for continuous investment in Research and Development (R&D) with a view to boosting the NA’s capabilities in the quest for national security and development.
Maj Gen Aligbe made the call while declaring open the 2024 Research and Development Conference organised by the TRADOC NA on Tuesday, 24 September 2024 at Headquarters TRADOC NA Auditorium in Minna Military Cantonment, Niger State.
He was represented by the Director, Joint and Combined Doctrine TRADOC NA , Maj Gen Ja’afar Mohammed, as the Special Guest of Honour at the event with the theme, “ Leveraging Research and Development in Emerging
Technologies as a Panacea for Success in Modern Warfare Within a Joint Environment”.
The Commander also emphasised the role of R&D which is essential for the industrialisation and advancement of any nation.
He urged the participants to explore new frontiers in Emerging Technologies, adding that the strategic Conference was aimed at building capacity and broadening the horizon of the participants on contemporary R&D issues.
Maj Gen Aligbe disclosed that the Conference was designed to articulate ideas by the participants that would assist the NA and other critical stakeholders in their R&D efforts to achieve effective decision making in the interest of national security, peace and development.
He, therefore, urged participants to key into the lessons that will be brought out by the erudite resource persons from their presentations.
According to him, creating a platform like this R&D Conference will no doubt assist the participants on innovative thinking and problem-solving techniques through the context of joint military operations.
“It further seeks to explore the latest advancements, trends and challenges in R&D, particularly focusing on how emerging technologies can be effectively integrated into modern warfare strategies,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Research Development, Test and Evaluation TRADOC NA, Maj Gen Mohammed Danja, highlighted the Conference’s purpose as a platform to keep participants abreast of emerging technologies and their application in modern warfare.
Maj Gen Danja emphasised on the transformative impact of technological advancements in both civilian and military domains, redefining industries, revolutionising lives and workspaces and unlocking unprecedented opportunities.
According to him, the Conference will delve into the latest innovations and trends shaping the modern battlefield, particularly within joint military environment.
He expressed his profound appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, for his unwavering support and prompt approval of resources for the conduct of the Conference.
“As the Conference unfolds, it is expected to yield significant insights and actionable strategies that will enhance the operational capabilities of the NA and its allied forces in an increasingly vulnerable, uncertain, complex and ambiguous security environment.
“The Conference brings together experts with verse knowledge and participants form the NA, the Nigerian Airforce (NAF) and other security agencies.
This diverse representation is expected to foster meaningful discussions and collaborative opportunities among participants that could play a crucial role in shaping the future of military operations in Nigeria and beyond,” he said.