The Executive Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, inaugurated the Nigerian Army Combat Support Arms Training Week, known as COSAT 2023, at the International Conference Centre Agbaka in Akure, the capital of Ondo State.
Representing the Governor, Chief Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Acting Governor of the state, emphasized the importance of embracing global modernization of militaries to enhance the capabilities of the Nigerian Army and sister services in addressing contemporary security challenges within the country.
He commended the Nigerian Army for its unwavering dedication in ensuring national security and supporting civil authorities in maintaining a peaceful environment for socio-economic development. The Acting Governor called for nationwide support to empower the Nigerian Army in fulfilling its constitutional duties.
During the training week, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, addressed the participants and highlighted the theme of COSAT 2023, which revolves around “Leveraging Local and Indigenous Technology to Produce Innovative Solutions for Combat Support Arms to Enhance Nigerian Army Operations in a Joint Environment.”
This theme aligned with his vision of transforming the Nigerian Army into a highly trained, well-equipped, and motivated force capable of fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities in a joint operational setting. General Lagbaja emphasized the significance of building local indigenous capacities to support the Nigerian Army’s maneuver formations and units in various operational engagements.
He encouraged the participants to explore indigenous technology to unlock innovative solutions that would enhance the military’s readiness and defense capabilities.
The event was hosted by the Corps of Artillery, with Major General Markus Kangye, the Commander of the Corps, delivering a welcome address. The weeklong training involved lecture presentations and brainstorming sessions aimed at enhancing capacity through the utilization of indigenous technology.
General Lagbaja also took the opportunity to pay courtesy calls on the Acting Governor of Ondo State, Chief Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and His Imperial Majesty, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, to seek their support and cooperation for the Nigerian Army in carrying out its constitutional duties in Ondo State, the South West region, and the entire nation.
Among the distinguished guests present at the opening ceremony of COSAT 2023 were His Imperial Majesty Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi Odundun II Deji of Akure, the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Oladunni Odu, Chief of Staff of the Ondo State Government, Joel Olugbenga Ale, Chief of Operations (Army), Major General Robert Sinjen, along with other Principal Officers from the Army Headquarters, Corps Commanders, General Officers Commanding, and retired senior officers.