The Headquarters, 9 Brigade Nigerian Army, NA, Ikeja, has emerged overall winner in the just concluded 2022 81 Division Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non Commissioned Officers Competition.
The competition was held at Lt. Gen TY Buratai Sports complex, Nigerian Army Cantonment, Ikeja, Lagos.
9 Brigade won trophies in obstacle crossing, weapon handling, among other activities keenly competed for by 35 Artillery Brigade, 81 Division Garrison and 45 Engineer Brigade formations.
9 Brigade came first, while 35 Artillery Brigade came second and 81 Division Garrison came third in the competition.
Other events competed for by the formations include: map reading, swimming and obstacle crossing.
9 Brigade won trophy for the obstacle crossing competition, 81 Division Garrison also won trophy for the Map Reading competition, while 35 Artillery Brigade won trophy for the swimming competition.
Both Seargents Gloria Uzoefune, a (female soldier) and Kingsley Agbaje outstanding performances for the Getaway Man and Best Spiral Man were notably commended.
Throughout the event, the gallantry officers displayed leadership traits, organisational abilities, use of initiative in scaling hurdles, similar to what could be encountered in battlefields.
General Officer Commanding 81 Division of the NA, Umar Thama Musa, who was represented by Brigadier General ID Oloyede commended the participants for their spirit of sportsmanship.
Speaking at the closing ceremony on Thursday, on his behalf, Oloyede said, “Going by the judges and comment of observers, it is evident that the formations made commending effort and prepared their various team for the competition.”
Adding that, “The essence of the competition is to enhance the soldiers’ fighting efficiency and performance in the field.
“This is in a bid to preparing you for the current security challenges that is facing our dear Nation.”
“I’m impressed with the military bearing, stamina and endurance exhibited by you during the competition.
“Training, you all know is the bedrock of any fighting force, it is believed that the skills you have gathered today will assist to improve your leadership traits, promote espiri de corps and build your morale.
“As you all know, it is better to sweat now in peace time and breath less during war.”
“This year competition has proved the benefit of good training.”
He said, “The Division will continue to implement our training schedule in line with Army Headquarters training directives.
“For the formation that excelled in the various events and the overall champion during the competition, I say congratulations and keep it up, for the formation that has not done too well, you still have the chance in showcasing your talents in other competitions.”
‘This competition is one of the series of competition line up for the year 2022, in no distant time, we shall gather here for another competition; the inter debate combat proficiency competition where officers of divisions will be required to display physical fitness and ability to whether through rigours of combat,” Brig. Gen Oloyede said.
Officers present at the event include, Commander 35 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General IE Akpaumontia, Chief Umpire of the competition, OC Omeni, 81 Division Training Officer, Brigadier General S. Nuhu, Spokespersons 81 Division, Major Olaniyi Osoba and Major AK Bello.
Others from military and para military; OO Oyesola (Navy), IM Abdullahi, Engineer Lucky Onimowo, State Commander, Man O’War, among other dignitaries
