The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Muhammad Usman, on Monday, declared open the 81 Division Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Competition 2024.
Speaking during the opening ceremony at the Alamala Barracks, Abeokuta, Usman noted that the competition was aimed at promoting unity among troops.
He added that the event was put together to improve leadership traits and organisational ability.
He expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for providing enabling environment, while assuring him of the division’s commitment to executing all Nigerian Army Training Directives.
The GOC urged participants to abide by the rules and exhibit sportsmanship, emphasising the importance of training in achieving military professionalism.
” The competition will run for four days, and it is expected to be a hitch-free event.
“The competition will promote spirit-de-corps among troops.
“Toward this end, some events have been outlined to test competing formations within the division.
“Some of these events which will be rigorously competed for include Map Reading, Combat Swimming, Obstacle Crossing and Weapon Handling/Range Classification,” he said.
Usman reminded the contestants that globally, training had remained a fundamental precursor for every battle winning army.
” This is premised on the fact that troops performance in peace and war is a direct result of the qualities of their training. Also, training remains a veritable tool for enhanced military professionalism,” he said.
In his remarks, the Commander, 35 Artillery Brigade Alamala, Brig.-Gen. Muhammad Aminu, emphasised the importance of sportsmanship, urging participants to abide by the rules and regulations guiding the competition.
“I enjoin you all to abide by all the rules and regulations guiding the competitions and exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship.
“I want you all to put in your best and compete in the best way you can.
“However, you should be mindful of your safety and safety of your colleagues throughout the period of the competition,” he said.