The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya, has tasked troops to avail themselves by participating in military competitive activities to maitain physical and combat fitness.
Yahaya gave the charge on Friday at the closing ceremony of the Nigerian Army Inter-Formation Platoon Officers Crossing Competition, at the 33 Artillary Brigade, Bauchi.
Yahaya, represented by the Commander, Nigerian Army Armoured Corps, Bauchi, Maj.-Gen. Suleiman Idris, described the four-day competition as “eventful,” adding that it had brought realism and relevance to the military training.
He said the competition was part of efforts by the army authorities aimed at improving fitness, training and information gathering at units and other establishments.
The competition, he said, created an enabling environment that exhibited military camaraderie needed for unity and cooperation in the conduct of training for military operations.
“The zeal in the competitors showed that the aims and objectives of the competition have been achieved.
“I am highly pleased that you are in good health and high spirit.
“I am sure the competition has sharpen your skills, built your endurance, capacity and team work,” he said.
According to him, the Nigerian Army has been in the forefront in the campaign against terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other security challenges, hence, the importance of the competition to the participants.
He congratulated the Army Headquarters Garrison, Abuja, which emerged the overall winner of the competition and urged them to sustain the tempo.
He called on the loosing formations not to despair but to take valid lessons to enable them to improve their performances in future competitions.
The COAS commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his unrelenting support to the Nigerian Army, as well as Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State for his continuous support to the Army.
In his remarks, Gov. Bala Mohammed, represented by his deputy, Sen Baba Tela, said the competition would add value to the capability of the Nigerian Army in combating security challenges.
Mohammed reitrated the state government comitment to support the military and other security agencies in the state to enable them to discharge their constitutional mandate effectively.
“This is the best military affair I have ever witnessed in my life,” he said.
Our correspondent reports that the Army Headquarters Garrison, Abuja, won the first position and 82 Division, Enugu, came second while the 3 Divison, Jos, won the third position of the competition.
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