BY GABRIEL OKECHUKWU, PORT HARCOURT
Military Officers have been charged to be combat ready at all times amidst security challenges facing the nation.
The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya gave the charge during the closing ceremony of First COAS Combat Platoon Cross Country Championship, 2022 at Elele Military Cantonment, Rivers State.
The Championship was put up as a part of training regiment for the Officers and soldiers to sharpen their skills and mental alertness as they go about their mandate of the protection of territorial integrity of the nation.
About two hundred Officers drawn from different formations of Nigerian Army which included One Division Nigerian Army Kaduna, Two Division Ibadan, 82 Division Enugu, Headquarters Garrison, Six Division Port Harcourt among others, participated in the four days event.
Speaking during the Closing ceremony, the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya emphasized the importance of constant trainings for military personnel to enhance professionalism within the file and ranks.
Lieutenant General Yahaya who was represented by the Corps Commander Nigerian Army Signal, Major General Abiodun Owolabi maintained, that Nigerian Army in collaboration with other military forces have made significant progress in the fight against insurgency, banditry, militancy and other sundry crimes across the country.
“Let me urge you to note the objectives of the Championship, which include among others, improvement in combat proficiency, leadership skills, endurance/fitness, Team work and espirit de-corps.”
“I would like to commend you all on the high standard of sportsmanship displayed throughout the Championship.”
“I am happy to note that the number of hours used during the camping that preceded this championship has not been in vain.”
“Your performance during the Championship can attest to that.”
The Chief of Army Staff applauded the General Officer Commanding Six Division Nigerian Army Port Harcourt, Major General Olufemi Oluyede for a successful Host
“I would like to use this medium to commend the effort of 6 Div for working tirelessly to put this championship together.”
“The coordination of every aspect of the event by the Local Organizing Committee is very commendable. Indeed, you have justified the confidence reposed in you by the AHQ.”
“My profound gratitude also goes to all of you for your unrelenting contributions.”
“All your efforts are highly appreciated. I say a big thank you to the umpires, judges and all other officials”
In his vote of thanks, the Chairman, Local Organizing Committee, LOC, Brigadier General Ernest Orakwe, acknowledged that it was tasking putting the Championship together but with determination and commitment it was possible.
Brigadier General Orakwe Commended participants for sticking to the tenets of the competition, encouraging them to continue to aspire for excellence in their services to the nation.
“Is my pleasure to on behalf of the GOC Six Division Nigerian Army, Major General OO Oluyede, officers and men under command, to express our thanks to each and every one of you for finding time to identify with us throughout the conduct of this exercise.”
“And our Special Guest of honour the Chief of Army Staff ably represented, sir we appreciate you for considering us worthy to host this occasion.”
The LOC chairman thanked Chief of Army Staff for approving the Championship.
At the end of the proceedings, Eighty Two Division Enugu came tops, followed by Two Division, while the Six Division Port Harcourt took the third position.
The grading was based on five and fifteen Kilometers race as well as Physical fitness.
High point of the event was presentation of trophies to winners by the GOC Six Division Nigerian Army, Major General Olufemi Oluyede.
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