…As competition in weapon handling, obstacle crossing, others begins in Abia
General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigeria Army, Enugu, Major Gen. H. T Dada, has said that the reason the Army is placing much emphasis on the training of its personnel, is to enhance their fitness and combat readiness.
The GOC who stated this, on Monday while declaring open, the Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ Competition, at the 24 Brigade Ohafia, said training of personnel had become one of the major priorities of the Nigerian Army Authorities.
Represented by the Training Officer in charge of the Division, Brigadier Gen. O. O Ojere, the GOC commended the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, had made resources fully available for the training.
“We have a Chief of Army Staff who has made training a key objective in his command philosophy which is “To transform the NA into a well-trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment”.
He noted that participants at the exercise would compete in weapon handling, shooting, half cross country, map reading/navigation, obstacle crossing and drill in the five-day competition.
The participating units in the zone include 13 Brigade Calabar, 44 Engineering Brigade, Enugu, 34 Artillery Brigade Owerri, 14 Brigade Ohafia, and the 82 Division Garrison Enugu.
The areas of the competition, according to him, “are skills a soldier would require to carryout as a military personnel.”
He said: “You will agree with me that the only way to bleed less in wartime is to sweat more in peace time. It is for this reason that we continue to train and retrain in order not to be found wanting on the day of reckoning.”
Major Gen. Dada said that the Nigerian Army had continued to professionalize, hence, the emphasis on training.
He further said that “this year’s competition is organized with the primary goal of improving team work through the infusion of organizational ability and the inculcation of initiative in the stipulated rank bracket”, adding that all the formations and units in 82 Division have been grouped into four to ensure maximum participation.
The GOC disclosed that this year’s competition had provided room for more participation by female soldiers.
Assuring that the umpires would be unbiased, the GOC advise d the competing groups “to ensure that the competition is conducted in the true spirit of sportsmanship and comradeship.
In his remarks, the Brigade Commander, 14 Brigade Ohafia, Brigadier Gen. O. O Diya, said training in the military “cannot be over emphasised.”
” It involves rigorous physical conditioning, weapon proficiency, tactical skills, discipline and drills amongst others”, he added.
Diya further said: “It is for this reason we are gathered here today to witness the Year 2024 Inter Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Competition.
“The competition is aimed at improving the leadership and organisational ability of WOs and SNCOs, with a view to preparing them for more challenging responsibilities.
“Therefore, I urge the officiating team of this competition to make sure that participants display these mentioned skills that will exude their leadership qualities. “
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