Regular training vital for optimal performance of troops — Army Commander
The General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Aminu Chinade, has identified regular training of soldiers as necessary for their optimal perfor mance.
Chinade said this at the opening of the 2023 82 Division Inter-Brigade Corporals and Below competition, held at the barracks of the 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Owerri, on Monday.
Chinade, represented by the Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Sani Sulaiman, noted that with adequate physical and mental preparedness, soldiers would be able to live up to expectations in the area of national security.
He said that the competition, scheduled to hold for five days, would improve troops’ combat proficiency, physical fitness, leadership traits and discipline as well as enable them build their spirit of teamwork, use of initiative and esprit de corps.
“The importance of this exercise is hinged on the overall vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, which is to have a professional Nigerian Army ready to accomplish assigned mission within a joint environment in defense of Nigeria.
“I, therefore, enjoin you to remain resolute in your commitment in this fight aimed at getting rid of any form of terrorism, kidnapping and other sundry crimes in our Area of Responsibility.
“I hereby declare the year 2023 Corporals and Below competition open,” he said.
He thanked the troops for their resilience during the conduct of the recent “Operation Safe Conduct” and assured them that adequate arrangements were in place to ensure a hitch free competition.
In his address, the 34 Artillery Brigade Commander, Sulaiman, represented by Lt.-Col. Abimbola Bolade, said that a total of 250 personnel from five formations within the Division would participate in seven events.
He listed the events to include map reading, skill at arms, obstacle crossing, combat swimming, half cross country and cardiovascular fitness test and drill.
He also listed the participating formations to include 13 Infantry Brigade, 14 Infantry Brigade, 34 Artillery Brigade, 44 Engineering Brigade and 82 Division Garrison.
He added that the competition was aimed at improving junior leadership traits, organisational ability and initiative of corporals and below in the Nigerian Army.
He thanked Chinade for providing an enabling environment and necessary support for the exercise and urged participating formations to put in their best.
“I urge all participating troops to go beyond their comfort zones in order to derive the maximum benefits from this competition and to raise the flags of your formations high in victory.
“May the best team win,” he said.
