Army Resource Centre Witnessed Transformation Under Gen. Wahab – DG

The Director-General of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), retired Maj.-Gen. James Myam, has hailed his predecessor, retired Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab, for providing the transformational leadership that repositioned the centre on the path of excellence.

Speaking at a send-forth dinner held in honour of Wahab on Wednesday night in Abuja, Myam described him as a “shining star” whose tenure left behind a legacy of distinction.

He recalled that Wahab was recalled from retirement six years ago to steer the centre through a critical period, and that his stewardship produced remarkable results.

“When the centre was challenged in terms of leadership, Army Headquarters beckoned on him from retirement. 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,” Myam said.

Other dignitaries also paid glowing tributes to Wahab. Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, Executive Director of Development Spec Academy, said the former NARC DG was a leader of rare distinction, with the ability to balance firmness, negotiation and restraint. He added that true mentorship was often best demonstrated by example, not declaration.

Similarly, Prof. Zara Kwaghe, on sabbatical at the centre, described Wahab as a disciplinarian and mentor whose passion, humility and attention to detail inspired confidence among staff and colleagues.

In his response, Wahab expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting that leadership was about service, responsibility and making the right choices, even when unpopular.

“It is not easy to sit down and listen to people talk about you in such glowing terms. I have my shortcomings. Leadership is about constant service and challenge, and my decisions were always guided by what I felt was right, not by malice,” he said.

He urged colleagues to sustain genuine relationships and communication beyond official needs, stressing the value of consistent engagement.

The event also featured recorded goodwill messages from prominent figures, including former Chief of Army Staff and Chairman, NARC Board of Trustees, retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau; Senator Ben Bruce; as well as several serving and retired military generals.

Among those present were the Chief of Training (Army), Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Ndalolo; Chief of Administration (Army), Maj.-Gen. Lawrence Fejokwu; and Chief of Defence Space Administration, AVM L.I. Oluwatoyin.

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