The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Alabi says effective leadership and robust training are key to the success of military operations.
Alabi stated this at the opening of the Division’s Inter-Brigade Officers Combat Proficiency Competition, which began on Monday in Kaduna.
The GOC was represented by the Commander, 51 Brigade Signal, Brig.-Gen. Henry Yanet .
A total of 45 officers drawn from 1 Div Garrison Kaduna, 3 Brigade Kano, and 31 Brigade Minna are participating in the competition.
The competition involves stripping and assembling of weapons, combat swimming, map reading, shooting and obstacle crossing.
He said that the competition was organised to improve the officers’ combat proficiency, physical fitness, and leadership, as well as use of initiative and esprit de corps.
The GOC added that it was meant to prepare the officers for battle in view of the current security challenges in the country.
Alabi therefore urged the participants and technical officials to take the competition seriously and abide by its rules and regulations.
“It is hoped that all competitors will make good use of this opportunity and be worthy ambassadors of their Brigades as well as the Nigerian Army at large.
“For the Nigerian Army to effectively surmount today’s complex environment, it would require robust training and exercises of this nature, joint-ness and esprit de corps, coupled with effective leadership.
“In this regard, the competition, which is a culmination of individual, unit and formation training is geared towards enhancing the professional military competences of troops.”
He said that the competition was also a testimony of the priority given to training by the Army Headquarters.
The GOC appreciated the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja for providing necessary resources and logistics for the smooth hosting of the competition.
“This is in line with his command philosophy which is “to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment”.
He charged the officials to be impartial and ensure that no team was favored or victimized.
Earlier, the Commander 1 Division Garrison, Brig.-Gen. Chibueze Ogbuabo, said the competition is expected to end on Aug. 17.
Ogbuabo informed all competing formations and participants that adequate arrangement has been put in place to ensure their convenience and a hitch free event.
He therefore urged the participants, technical officials and umpires to abide by the rules and regulations set out for the competition.
