The Director-General, Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), retired Maj.-Gen. James Myam, has said that the transformational leadership of his predecessor, retired Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab, has repositioned the centre on the path of excellence.
Speaking at a send-forth organised in honour of Wahab in Abuja on Wednesday night, Myam described the former Director-General as a “shining star”.
He said that Wahab had left behind a legacy of distinction, having been recalled from retirement six years ago to rescue the centre at a critical moment.
“He was a twinkle star, a very great shining star. General Wahab had a very distinguished and impeccable career serving the Nigerian Army.
“When the centre was challenged in terms of leadership, Army Headquarters beckoned on him from retirement, and he came to assume leadership.
“Wahab’s tenure was marked by outstanding achievements that strengthened the vision, mission, and mandate of the centre.
“Through his leadership engineering, he uplifted this centre and positioned it clearly on the path of achieving its mandate. His leadership of this centre has been stellar—nothing short of excellent and outstanding,” he added.
In his remarks, Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, Executive Director, Development Spec Academy, described Wahab as a leader per excellence, whose style defies easy categorisation.
Ikechukwu said that Wahab was not just a transformational leader but one who knew when to be firm, when to negotiate and when to step back, qualities that made him stand out.
According to him, true mentorship is not when someone goes about declaring it.
“By simply observing Wahab, you learn how to walk the right path,” he said.
He urged him to seek divine guidance on his next steps, noting that Nigeria needs leaders of Wahab’s calibre at the highest levels of governance.
Also, Prof. Zara Kwaghe, who is on sabbatical at the centre, described the former NARC boss as a disciplinarian and mentor who combines toughness with humility.
She noted that Wahab’s passion for leadership, insistence on rules and etiquette, and ability to contribute meaningfully to almost any topic made him stand out.
She praised Wahab’s impact on staff and colleagues, saying his energy and passion often inspired confidence that tasks would be accomplished without delay.
In his response, Gen. Wahab urged staff and associates of the centre to sustain genuine relationships and open communication beyond official engagements.
He thanked the leadership and staff of NARC for the honour, saying their glowing tributes humbled him.
“It is not easy to sit down and listen to people talk about you in such glowing terms. I have my shortcomings, and I know I am not as perfect as I have been described,” he said.
Wahab noted that leadership was about constant service and challenge, adding that his decisions while in office were always guided by what he felt was right, not by malice.
He urged colleagues and associates to maintain contact even outside official needs.
“Don’t only call when you need something. Keep the communication lines open, because by the time you suddenly call after nine months, someone else may have asked for the same favour,” he said.
The retired general expressed gratitude for the support he enjoyed during his tenure, saying the experience had been both challenging and rewarding.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that several highly placed individuals spoke in a recorded message played during the event.
They include the former Chief of Army Staff and Chairman, Board of Trustees, retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, Sen. Ben Bruce, among several serving and retired military generals.
Present at the event include Those present at the event include the Chief of training (Army), Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Ndalolo; Chief of Administration (Army), Maj.-Gen. Lawrence Fejokwu and Chief of Defence Space Administraton, AVM LI Oluwatoyin, among others. (NAN)