Army leader emphasises effective record-keeping and data management

In order to create effective service administration, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has given officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army the responsibility of proper data management and record keeping.

The announcement was made by Lagbaja on Monday in Abuja at the start of the first Army Headquarters Department of Military Secretary Data Management and Record Keeping Training Seminar.

Maj.-Gen. Jimmy Akpor, the Chief of Administration (Army), acted as his representative.

According to the COAS, the seminar with the theme “Enhancing Professionalism in Data Management and Record Keeping System for Effective Administration of the Nigerian Army” was one of a number of events planned for the Nigerian Army this year.

Given that the army operates in a multidimensional environment, notably in the cyber and media sectors, and is actively participating in a number of operations around the country, he claimed that the seminar was essential for the army.

According to him, these conditions have highlighted the urgent need for robust data management and record keeping to foster efficient administration of the Nigerian army.

It also supports my concept, which is to make the Nigerian Army into a highly motivated force capable of carrying out its constitutional obligations in a cooperative setting.

Therefore, this seminar offers a special chance for participants to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to enhance the general management of the Nigerian army.

The conference will definitely broaden your understanding and inspire you to fulfil your responsibility in helping the army fulfil its overall constitutional obligations, he said.

Lagbaja praised the Military Secretary department for holding the seminar, saying it showed the officers’ dedication to raising their level of competence in data administration, record keeping, cyber security, and document security.

He advised the attendees to take advantage of the chance to advance their knowledge and abilities in order to apply it to their different positions and reach higher levels of professionalism and effectiveness in the army.

Maj.-Gen. Folusho Oyinlola, the military secretary, stated that the seminar was developed out of the urgent need to improve data management and record keeping procedures inside the Nigerian army in the digital and media age.

According to Oyinlola, it marked a critical turning point in the Nigerian Army’s collaborative quest for excellence in data administration and record keeping.

He claims that data management and record keeping assure the preservation of institutional data and records that have significant historical, financial, and legal worth.

“However, it has been noted that the Nigerian Army’s data gathering and record keeping have been appalling for the past few years.

“There are several potential causes for this, but one of the most important is the attitude of the staff members in charge of keeping records and data.

“Along with the mistaken belief that the administration, military secretary, and personnel management departments at AHQ are solely responsible for gathering data and maintaining correct records.

Although these offices are mandated by law to gather and store specific data and records, he claimed that data management and record keeping in general are a common obligation that calls for the efforts of all corps, formations, and departments.

The information and best practises that will be discussed at the conference, according to Oyinlola, will be essential for keeping accurate records, facilitating informed decision-making, and maximising overall performance in the army.

He asked the attendees to go into the seminar with an open mind, ready to take in and learn whatever they could. (NAN)