From Blessing Okorite, Port Harcourt
As part of effort to prepare an intelligent and well physically fitted officers in defence of the nation’s integrity and sovereignty, the 6 Division Nigerian Army, has organised competition exercise for soldiers between the rank of Corporal and below in the Division.
According to the General Officer Commanding the Division, Major General Jamil Sarham, the programme was aimed at promoting mutual cooperation and comradeship amongst the participants, build soldiers to be protectors of the nation’s constitutional mandate and improve their physical and mental stability.
The participants, during the competition at the Division headquarters in Port Harcourt, yesterday, exhibited great team work in the physical fitness and preparation to the continuous defence of the nation.
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The participants selected from 46 Engineering Brigade, 2 Brigade Uyo, 63 Brigade Delta, 16 Brigade Yenagoa and 6 Division Garrison, competed on Map reading, Tug of war, Drilling, Weapon handling, Physical fitness and Obstacle crossing.
Addressing the participants before the competition, the GOC, represented by Commander 56 Signal Bridge, Brig. Gen. Bassey Etuk said the programme is an annual training exercise for the Nigerian Army.
He urged the soldiers to be fully involved and take the training serious and encouraged them to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play.
He stressed that the exercise is in line with the Chief of Army Staff vision in building a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles.
He said: “This landmark event has brought together soldiers as participants from the various formations and units of the Division. As a unique event of its kind, I am certain that the Competition will serve as an opportunity to promote mutual cooperation and comradeship amongst the participants.
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“Let me also add that training and retraining of officers and soldiers in the NA is pivotal to achieving the required regimentation, professional responsiveness and combat efficiency needed to tackle the various security challenges facing the NA in particular and the country in general.
“This initiative is therefore in line with the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, vision which is ‘To have a professionally Responsive NA in the Discharge of its Constitutional Roles’. Accordingly, a well trained officer and soldier will effectively command men and equipment place under his command.”
He further advised the soldiers that “As an important segment of the NA, you must take advantage of this competition enhance your proficiency on the job”.
The GOC however, commended the COAS for his untiring efforts in providing the resources to conduct the competition even in the face of the competing demands in the Nigerian Army.
