The Headquarters Nigerian Army Signals just concluded its year 2023 Annual Conference on 7 December 2023. The theme of the conference is: *‘‘Repositioning Nigerian Army Signals towards the Provision of Effective and Efficient Communications Support to the Nigerian Army within a Joint Environment’’*. The Conference was held at the Headquarters Nigerian Army Signals Conference Room Arakan Cantonment, Apapa Lagos from 5 – 7 December 2023.

 Major General Adesina, the Commander of the Corps of Signals convened the conference with the focus on ending any challenge that could distract the Corps from operating effectively in a Joint environment. This goal was achieved as the Annual Conference emphasized the importance of innovative ideas and development in addressing communication challenges.

Having his focus in mind, the highly visionary commander, Major General Gbemiga Adesina in his opening remarks, underscores the critical role of communications in achieving the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy. The commander who glaringly, has strategically analyzed the COAS Command philosophy aligning it with the roles of the corps, his vision,  in connection with the Nigerian Army vision and communication goals, understands the giant roles the Corps will play in the achievement of the Nigerian Army Mission.

Coming from this background, Adeshina urged commanders to look inward for development, Innovative and novel Ideas towards proffering workable solutions to all identified communication challenges. Being a leader who leads by example, in his capacity as the No. 1 signaler, he has taken bold steps to show the direction the Corps should follow in achieving renewed hope in Nigeria’s security architecture. According to him, he said “Since I assumed office as Commander Corps of Signals in July 2023, I have been committed to hitting the ground running, aligning our actions with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy which is *“To transform the Nigerian Army into a Well-trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment”* The Commander further said, that communications at all level remain critical and pivotal in accomplishing this Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy.

The Commander is right in his words.  This is because, In the military, effective communication is essential to ensure that everyone works together towards a common goal. Good communication skills can build trust and understanding between team members, which is critical for ensuring that everyone is working in harmony and that the mission is a success.  It is a common saying that, The President can make you a General, but Communications make you a Commander. Communications are vital for any military operation,  whether it is a simple briefing before taking a convoy cross country, or keeping your commanders informed during a major battle. It saves life and its a major determinant of operational success.

To bring the power of communication during Nigerian military joint operations into fruition at the conference, Major General Adesina further gave an insight into his Mission Statement for the Corps, which according to him is *“To Enhance the Capacity and Capability of NAS in line with Modern Technological Advancement towards Provision of Effective, Secure and Robust Communications Support to the Nigerian Army at all times“*.

This Mission Statement must continue to serve as the guiding beacon of the Nigerian Army Signals, he added.  He said all Nigerian Army Signals personnel, are to remain focused, vigilant, and dedicated, placing an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement in their roles as communicators. He implored field commanders not to lose sight of the welfare of their troops. Major General Olusegun Adesina expresses gratitude to the COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja (Nigerian Army Medal) for his steadfast commitment to providing the necessary resources in men, materiel, and equipment, which has been instrumental in repositioning the Corps of Signals to performing its roles and responsibilities effectively, efficiently and creditably.

Among the dignitaries that participated in the Commander Corps of Signals Year 2023 Annual Conference were the Commander Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command Major General Adeleke Ayannuga, the representative of the Commandant Nigerian Army School of Signals; the MD Pronto Microsystems Technology Limited, as well as various signals field commanders at all levels. Others include Principal Staff Officers at Headquarters Nigerian Army Signals and other invited senior officers.