Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Nigerian Army, Monday commenced Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ Competition among various units and formations within the 82 Division, Enugu,at the 14 Brigade Ohafia.
Participants at the one- week event would compete in weapon handling, shooting, half cross country, map reading/navigation, obstacle crossing and drill.
The participating units include 13 Brigade Calabar, 44 Engineering Brigade, Enugu, 34 Artillery Brigade Owerri, 14 Brigade Ohafia, and the 82 Division Garrison Enugu.”
Declaring open the competition, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigeria Army, Enugu, Major Gen. H. T Dada, said that the goal of the competition was to boost the combat readiness of the personnel of the Nigerian Army.
The GOC who was represented by the Training Officer in charge of the Division, Brigadier Gen. O. O Ojere, commended the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who he said, 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.”
“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.”
Emphasising on personnel training, he said that “this year’s competition is organised with the primary goal of improving team work through the infusion of organisational 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.
Major Gen. Dada disclosed that this year’s competition has provided room for more participation by female soldiers.
He advised participants “to ensure that the competition is conducted in the true spirit of sportsmanship and comradeship.
in his address of welcome, 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.
“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,” he said.
