From Blessing Okorite, Port Harcourt
The Nigerian soldiers have been charged to always exhibit professionalism in discharge of their duty, especially in defense of the nation’s sovereignty.
The Flag Officer Commanding, FOC, Central Naval Command, CNC, Yanegoa, Rear Admiral Suleiman Garba gave the Charge at the closing ceremony of annual Corporal and below competition at 6 Division headquarters, Bori Camp Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Rear Admiral Garba who was the special Guest of Honour at the event, maintained that the competition was designed to provide participants with requisite knowledge to effectively surmount insecurity in the country.
He further urged the soldiers to leverage on the gains of their training to develop capacity for future assignments.
He noted that the competition had brought the personnel together from different units of the Division.
“This landmark event has brought together participants from the various formations and units of 6 Division, Nigerian Army.
“As a unique competition of its kind, I am certain that the occasion has been an opportunity to promote mutual cooperation and comradeship amongst the participants.
“Let me also add that training and re-training of soldiers in the Nigerian Army cannot be over-emphasized. Hence, the participation thrust for the competition was anchored on the demand for high level espirit de corps, regimentation and endurance, which are essential in tackling the contemporary security challenges faced by the Nigerian Army.
“It is therefore certain that all participants have displayed a very high standard of sportsmanship, physical fitness, determination and have given their best in the course of the competition. This is necessary in view of the fact that training develops the requisite capacity amongst troops to function effectively.
“Having gone through this competition as soldiers, you must take pride in the strategic position you occupy in your respective formations and units. You must also ensure that you teach the younger soldiers basic regimental and physical fitness activities that will enhance their professional disposition.
“It is hoped that this will enable you put into perspective the vision of the Chief of Army Staff which is “To have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles”.
“I enjoin you all to be the drivers of this noble vision to transform the Nigerian Army into a professionally responsive force”, Admiral Garba advised.
The Naval Commander who thanked the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Maj Gen Jamil Sarham, for inviting to chair the occasion, noted that the passion of the GOC for training is well known, adding that the Division has exhibited great diligence and professionalism in tackling the various security challenges in its Area of Responsibility.
On his part, the Chief of Staff 6 Division headquarters, Brig Gen Olatokunbo Bello who encouraged the officers to continue to grow in their professional career, expressed happiness that there were no casualties throughout the five days activities.
The formations that participated in the competition; 6 Division Garrison, 2 Brigade Uyo, 16 Brigade Yenagoa and 63 Brigade Asaba, were drilled in Physical fitness, Skill at arm, map reading obstacle crossing among others.
The 2 Brigade Uyo however came first in the competition followed by 6 Division Garrison, while 16 Brigade took the third position.