By Eric Moore
THE Nigerian Army has harped on the importance of efficiency and effectiveness of its chief clerks with the use of Information and Computer Technology (ICT).
Chief of Personnel Management, Nigerian Army, Major General Yakubu Yahaya, has emphasized this importance, when he spoke at the Nigerian Army Chief Clerks Convention 2024 going on in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Tuesday.
Major General Yahaya said it is because of the vital roles played by the participants that the theme for the Year 2024 Chief Clerks Convention which is ‘‘Enhancing the Capacity of Nigerian Army Chief Clerks in Office Management through Effective Employment of Information and Computer Technology” was selected.
He stressed that it is essential that they (chief clerks) stay up-to-date with the latest best practices and techniques in office management, particularly in the face of emerging trends and threats in the cyber space.
He said: “The Chief Clerks Convention as we are all aware is aimed at improving the capacity of Chief Clerks in the Nigerian Army (NA) and by implication their productivity in clerical duties, document security, staff work and office management in general.
“Considering the vital roles that Chief Clerks play in our formation headquarters, establishments and units, the importance of the Chief Clerks Convention cannot be overemphasized.
“This is particularly so as we continue to navigate the ever-changing office management operating landscape which demands that we stay up-to-date with the latest best practices and techniques in line with emerging trends.
“Moreso, information and computer technology which more than ever before have continued to find application in our daily office activities albeit with threats in the cyber space, further emphasize the need for continuous training of chief clerks who handle all our documents, supervise other clerks and manage our offices.”
The Chief Personnel Management of Nigerian Army urged the participants to carefully follow all presentations and take active part by making meaningful contributions based on service experiences during the interactive sessions.
He assured them that all suggestions, contributions and comments made would be duly noted, while those worthy of implementation will get expeditious attention.
In his welcome remarks the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, said the year’s convention was designed to enhance professionalism and responsiveness as chief clerks for optimal performance upon return to their various deployments.
He noted that the theme was well crafted to reflect Army commitment to leveraging technology for improved productivity.
Major General Abdussalam urged participants to actively contribute to the discussions, stressing that their input would be invaluable in identifying lapses in the Army’s administrative structure.
He said: “Additionally, the ways of mitigating the risks associated with social media and ensuring responsible information sharing will be highlighted.This is in furtherance to discussions on ways of streamlining record management and filing systems and your role in career planning and management to support professional development of Nigerian Army soldiers.
“I, therefore, encourage you to listen attentively and participate actively throughout this gathering. Your participation and, of course, contributions will help to identifying lapses in our administrative structure.”