The 2nd Division of the Nigerian Army, Ibadan has flagged off the 2019 edition of its annual competition in Akure, the Ondo state capital for its personnel in the rank of corporal and below.
The four day-competition, which drew 55 participants each from five army formations in the Southwest Zone, is being hosted by the 32 Artillery Brigade, Owena Cantonment, Akure.
The participating Army formations are 2 Div. Nigerian Army Garrison, Ibadan, HQ 4 Brigade Benin; 32 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army, Akure; 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin and 42 Engineer Brigade, Ibadan.
The events for the competition include physical fitness, obstacle crossing, combat, swimming and parade.
The GOC, 2 Division, Gen Okwudili Azinta said the event was organised in line with the Nigerian Army forecast of event and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) training directives for 2019.
Azinta was represented by Brig Gen. Koko Akamba Isoni, Chief of staff at 2 Div. Nigerian Army, Ibadan.
He explained that the goal of the competition was to improve leadership traits, organisational ability, use of initiative and to promote espirit-de-corps by personnel in that category.
“It is also intended to prepare them physically and mentally to contend with the contemporary security challenges confronting the nation.
According to him, “In view of this, relevant events geared toward enabling the participants to imbibe the goals of the competition were carefully selected,” he said.
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu who was the special guest of honour lauded the Nigerian Army for its efforts in training its personnel to be able to discharge their task of securing the territorial integrity of the nation more effectively.
Akeredolu represented by his Chief of Staff, Olugbenga Ale described training as the bedrock of any organisation.
He said ”When soldiers are well trained, their performance in maintaining peace and unity of the nation is guaranteed. On our part, the government of Ondo State will continue to support the military in its activities to ensure success”.
