…DECLARES INTER-BRIGADE CORPORAL & BELOW COMPETITION OPEN
By Okosun Dennis
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Mohamed Usman has said that the Nigerian Army (NA) will continue to place a high premium on training and regimentation as they form significant components at lower levels of command and leadership.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the 9 Brigade Garrison Parade Ground, Ikeja Cantonment on Tuesday while flagging off 81 Division’s Inter-Brigade Corporal and below Competition, emphasized the importance NA places on training and regimentation.
Four formations drawn from 81 Division are participating in the five-day competition. They include 9 Brigade, Ikeja Cantonment (the host), 81 Division Garrison, 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta, and 45 Engineering Brigade, Dodan Barracks, Obalende.
The GOC, who was represented by the 81 Division Chief Training Officer, Brigadier General Oluwole Davies, observed that the competition provides an avenue for Section Commanders to showcase their leadership skills, proficiency, weapon handling, regimentation in the military, navigation, Espirit-de-Corp and team work.
“It is, therefore, no coincidence that these are the components necessary to build future leaders for the Nigerian Army.
While declaring the competition opened, Gen Usman said, “Today, 16th April, 2024, marks the beginning of the 81 Division’s Inter-Brigade Corporal and below 2024 Competition, adding that “it is one of the major competitions encapsulated in both NA and 81 Division training circle for 2024.”
He enjoins participants to give the competition the seriousness it deserves and compete fairly while showing what they are capable of doing when confronted in live situations and make their respective formations and the Nigerian Army proud.
To the umpires, the GOC urged them to demonstrate high level of integrity and let their assessment align with the principle of fairness.
In his welcome remarks, the host Brigade Commander, 9 Brigade, Ikeja Cantonment, Brig Gen Adegoke Adetuyi, explained that the Competition is aimed at enhancing the proficiency of troops at this cadre and prepare them for higher responsibilities.
On the enormous challenges faced while preparing a formidable team and ensuring a successful hosting of the events, he added that the competition would meet the expected high standard at ten end of the events.
Events to compete for include: Drill, Combat Swimming, Skill at Arms/Shooting, Map Reading/Communication exercise and the Obstacles Crossing/Physical Fitness Competition.
As part of the opening ceremony, the Chief Umpire, Lt Col Olalekan Bemiteko administered the Oath Taking on all the umpires and representatives of all the participating formations, which was followed by a colourful Drill competition by the participating formations, which was a clear testament of the Nigerian Army’s tradition in regimentation.
Earlier, the representative of the GOC, Brig Gen Oluwole Davies was received by the 9 Brigade Commander, Brig Gen Adetuyi for the Quarter Guard ceremony.
The closing ceremony is expected to take place on Friday, 19th April, 2024 at the Lt Gen TY Buratai Sports Complex, Nigerian Army Cantonment Ikeja.
