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By Raji Rasak
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Obinna Ajunwa, has restated commitment to training and retraining of troops in operational readiness to combat security challenges confronting the nation.
Ajunwa stated this during the Opening Ceremony of 81 Division Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers (WOs) and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) competition holding at 243 Recce Battalion Barracks, Ibereko Badagry, Lagos, on Monday.
The GOC, represented by Brig.-Gen. NJ Edet, Commander, 9 Brigade of 81 Division, noted that as it was often said in military circles that “ soldiers sweat in peace time through training, the less blood they shed in war”.
He said: “This old maxim is relevant today as it was relevant ages ago when it first came into existence.
“Interestingly, the letter and spirit of the maxim form the essential ingredients of the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya.
“Which is `To have a Professional Nigerian Army Ready to Accomplish Assigned Missions within a Joint Environment in Defense of Nigeria’.
“The COAS had taken giant strides in areas of operational readiness of the Nigerian Army in a bid to achieve his vision,” he said.
Ajunwa further stated that in sustaining professionalism in the Nigeria Army, the WOs and SNCOs Competition amongst other aspects of training had been carefully crafted into the COAS Training Directive for the Year 2023.
“In executing the training directive, Headquarters 81 Division scheduled its Warrant Officers and Senior Non Commissioned Officers Competition from June 19 to June 23.
“The WOs and SNCOs Competition is aimed at improving the leadership qualities of the participants, improve on their level of endurance, discipline and also prepare them for higher responsibilities.
Similarly, in his opening address, the Commanding Officer, 243 Recce Battalion, Barracks Ibereko, Badagry, Col. N Akpagher, who is the host, said 120 personnel from four formations within 81 Division would be participating in the competition.
“The formations are 9 Brigade, 35 Artillery Brigade, 45 Engineer Brigade and 81 Division Garrison,” he said.
The CO said the events in which the participating formations would be competing for included Map Reading, Weapon Heading, Combat Swimming and Obstacle Crossing.
He said that general instructions containing rules and regulations governing the competition had been sent out to ensure a level playing field for all competing formations.
Akpagher urged all participating troops to go beyond their comfort zones to derive the maximum benefits from the competition and make their formations proud.
(NAN)
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