The 82 Division, Nigerian Army on Monday commenced an inter-brigade combat proficiency competition for officers, to test their team spirit and battle readiness.
The week-long event is being hosted by the Headquarters, 14 Brigade, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks, Ohafia, Abia.
Participants in the 2023 competition were drawn from 13 Brigade Calabar, 14 Brigade Ohafia, 34 Artillery Brigade Owerri, 44 Engineer Brigade Enugu and 82 Division Garrison Enugu.
The participants are expected to competing in combat swimming, half marathon, map reading, weapon handling and obstacle crossing.
Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division, in his remarks at the opening ceremony explained that the Nigerian Army places huge premium on the development of its personnel.
Dada, represented by Brig.-Gen. Okhume Ejere, Training Officer, 82 Division, said that the competition would provide an avenue for members of the lower levels of the officer cadre to showcase their leadership skills.
He added that it was an opportunity to showcase their proficiency in weapon handling, regimentation, navigation, esprit de corps and team work.
He, therefore, urged the participants to compete fairly but keenly and show what the army was capable of at the junior leadership level.
Dada also said that the Division would continue to strive in collaboration with the other security agencies within its area of responsibility to secure lives and property in defense of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Commander, 14 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Nsikak Edet, said that the venues earmarked for the various events had been properly prepared to meet the standards.
According to him, all participants and officials have been well accommodated with adequate feeding and transportation arrangements provided.
He urged the participants to maintain the highest standard of discipline.
Edet expressed gratitude to the GOC for granting the 14 Brigade the opportunity to host the 2023 event
