The 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ekehuan Cantonment, Benin, has commenced its annual Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non- Commissioned Officers combat competition.
The Tide’s source reports that the competition is to improve the standard of their battle readiness and physical fitness.
The participating formations include, 4 Brigade, Benin, 12 Brigade, Lokoja , 22 Brigade, Ilorin, 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, 42 Engineers Brigade, Ibadan and 2 Division Garrison, Ibadan.
The activities lined up for the competition are drills, combat swimming, map reading, weapon/shooting as well as physical fitness.
Maj.-Gen. Nansak Shagaya, the Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (NASST), who declared the competition open, said it was to reposition the Army to discharge its responsibilities.
Shagaya, who was represented by Brig. -Gen. Moses Ikobah, the Deputy Commandant of NASST, said the competition was in line with the Army Headquarters training directive for 2024.
He urged all the participants to prepare themselves to be challenged, inspired and exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship, so as to attain the highest standard of professionalism.
“I urge participants to take this competition seriously.
“The competition is in line with the training directive of the Chief of Army Staff Philosophy which is to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained and highly motivated force”, he said.
Shagaya commended the Chief of Army Staff for providing the resources for the competition and for providing direction and necessary guidance.
According to him, “to our judges and instructors who will be bringing their experience to bear, I say thank you and urge you to remain unbiased”.
He also thanked the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, for his continued support to the Brigade.
Earlier, the Commander, 4 Brigade, Brig.- Gen. Ebenezer Oduyebo, said the competition was intended to prepare the officers to be professionally responsive to effectively deal with the present security challenges in the country.
He noted that Warrant officers/SNCOs hold a unique and vital position within Army ranks, adding that they were the backbone of the military.
Oduyebo said the competition was also to bridge the gap between enlisted personnel and commissioned officers.
“Their expertise, experience and leadership are indispensable to the success of our operations and the effectiveness of our units.
“Let me quickly remind us that this competition is not merely an event; it is a testament to the high standards we uphold in 2 Division and the Nigerian Army at large.
“It is an opportunity for our warrant officers/Senior NonCommissioned Officers to demonstrate their proficiency, leadership, and commitment to excellence”, he said.
According to him, competitions like this foster camaraderie, esprit de corps, and professional development.
“They provide a platform for sharing knowledge, honing skills, and pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve together”, he added.