The 6 Division Garrison of the Nigeria Army on Friday emerged champions of the Warrant Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers competition, organised for soldiers in formations and units under the division.
The garrison successfully defended its title, having won the competition last year.
No fewer than 175 soldiers competed for the top prize in obstacle crossing, drill, skill at arms, point-to-point map reading, shooting and physical fitness in the week-long inter-divisional competition.
The 6 Division Garrison emerged overall winner, followed by 63 Brigade, Yenagoa, in second position while 2 Brigade, Uyo, AkwaIbom came third.
Also, 46 Engineer Brigade, Port Harcourt, came fourth while 16 Brigade, Delta State, came last.
Addressing soldiers at the competition’s closing ceremony in Port Harcourt, the special guest of honour and Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, Yenagoa, AVM. UbrifihUzezi, praised the participating formations.
According to him, the competition is meant to sharpen and strengthen tactical awareness and team spirit of troops under the division.
“The competition was anchored on the demand for high level espirit-de-corps, regimentation and endurance, which are essential for tackling contemporary security challenges.
“This exercise is necessary in view of the fact that training develops the requisite capacity among troops to function effectively,” he said.
Uzezi said the event was organised to bridge the gap between warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers.
“So, participants having gone through the training must also teach younger soldiers basic regimental and physical fitness activities that will enhance their professional disposition.
“However, it is not enough to be strong. As soldiers, we must be of good attitude, behaviour and be disciplined — the hallmark of a professional soldier,” he said.
The senior officer told teams that lost in the competition to prepare hard for other sporting competitions.
Other senior officers at the ceremony include the General Officer Commanding Army 6 Division, Maj.-Gen. JamilSarham and Commander of Infantry Corps, Kaduna and Maj.-Gen. Stevenson Olabaji, among others.
