The Operational Level Logistics in Economy of West Africa States (ECOWAS) Peace Support Operations Training, organized by the Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management (NACOLM) in collaboration with ECOWAS, concluded on Friday, June 2, 2023.
The event took place at the Ogomudia Hall, NACOLM Annex Campus Moloney in Lagos.
During the graduation ceremony, Major General Adekunle Adeyinka, the Commandant of NACOLM, in his speech expressed his pleasure at hosting the invited guests.
He said that the training marked the successful completion of the inaugural edition of the Operational Level Logistics in ECOWAS Peace Support Operations for Personnel of the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF).
General Adeyinka emphasized that the effectiveness of Peace Support Operations (PSOs) is evaluated based on factors such as the improvement of the existing situation, achievement of mandates, and resolution of conflicts, among other benchmarks.
He further noted that the past five days had been both challenging and engaging for the participants as they were actively involved in learning about operational procedures to streamline and standardize logistics support in ECOWAS PSOs.
Aside from familiarizing with the ESF Logistics Concept and System, topics covered included planning considerations for logistics support, supply sources, health support services, Contingent Own Equipment (COE), and humanitarian logistics.
The Commandant echoed confidence that the participants had gained the necessary skills to design and execute effective support plans for the deployment and sustenance of all components in a PSO while commending resource persons for their dedication, commitment, and significant contributions, which contributed to the success of the training.
Closing the training, the Corps Commander Supply and Transport (CCST), Major General Erema Akerejola, who served as the Special Guest of Honour highlighted that the purpose of PSOs is to bring stability to conflict zones, facilitate the separation of warring parties, protect civilians, and support the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of former combatants.
General Akerejola, in his address, emphasized that the primary role of Peace Support Operations (PSOs) is not only to assist in organizing elections, safeguard human rights, and restore the rule of law but also to highlight the crucial importance of logistics support in achieving the objectives of these missions.
Representing the Director of Peacekeeping and Regional Security of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Danjuma Aku, spoke earlier and highlighted the diverse participation in the training program.
Participants from the military, police, and civilian components of a typical PSO attended the program, which aimed to enhance their understanding of ECOWAS logistics in PSOs and equip them with skills applicable during deployments in ECOWAS PSOs.
He stressed that the training was designed to enable effective functioning in operational roles within PSO missions and upon their return to their respective countries. He urged the graduates to apply the knowledge acquired during the training to bring about positive changes in their work environments.
Additionally, Mr. Danjuma expressed the gratitude of the ECOWAS Commission to the dedicated staff of NACOLM who worked tirelessly to organize the course and provide a conducive learning environment.
The event was attended by NACOLM partners, Commandants of Nigerian Army Corps Schools in Lagos, esteemed resource persons, and students of Logistics Staff Course 20/23, among others.