The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Obinna Ajunwa on Monday said the military is committed to training and retraining of troops in operational readiness to combat the 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 held at 243 Recce Battalion Barracks, Ibereko Badagry, Lagos.
The GOC was represented at the competition by Brig Gen NJ Edet, Commander, 9 Brigade of 81 Division, Nigeria Army.
According to the GOC, as it is often said in military circles, the more soldiers sweat in peacetime through training the less blood they shed in war.
“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 Defence 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 Nigerian 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 23, 2023.
” The WOs and SNCOs Competition is aimed at improving the leadership qualities of the participants, improved on their level of endurance, discipline and also preparing 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 participate 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 will be competing for, these include; 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.