By BlackBox Nigeria
A lecturer in the Department of Political Science, Lagos State University, Samson Olusegun Oyefolu, has delivered a lecture to senior military officers at the Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management on the importance of effective communication in leadership.
The lecture, titled “Principles of Effective Communication and Its Roles in Leadership,” was presented to participants of the Senior Leadership and Staff Officers’ Course 4/2026 at the college’s Ojo campus on May 6, 2026.
According to the lecture paper, Oyefolu described communication as a critical tool for leadership, organizational coordination and institutional survival. He stated that effective communication remains a defining factor between successful and unsuccessful leaders, especially within structured institutions such as the military.
He explained that communication involves the exchange of ideas, thoughts, emotions and information through spoken words, written texts, facial expressions and digital media. He added that leadership depends on the ability of leaders to direct, guide and influence subordinates toward achieving collective goals. 
The political scientist identified clarity, active listening, empathy, consistency, adaptability and completeness as core principles of effective communication. He noted that these principles help leaders build trust, promote teamwork, manage conflicts and improve accountability within organizations.
Oyefolu further stressed that communication serves as the “engine room of effective leadership,” warning that organizations that fail to institutionalize effective communication risk decline and eventual collapse. 
Speaking on the military context, he said officers require strong communication skills to succeed in leadership, logistics coordination, national defence and regional peacekeeping operations. He maintained that good leadership depends on messages being clearly understood and acted upon.
Speaking about the purpose of the event, the Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management stated that the programme was designed to strengthen leadership and staff management skills among officers of the Nigerian Army and that the lecture formed part of the training programme for officers participating in the Senior Leadership and Staff Officers’ Course 4/2026.
