16 brigade NA wins 6 Division Inter-brigade junior officers’ competition

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

The 16 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Yenagoa has emerged overall winner at the 2022 edition of the annual 6 Division Inter-Brigade competition for junior officers.

The competition is aimed at improving the leadership traits, organizational abilities and enhancing the initiative of Non-Commissioned officers of the Division.

The competition which started on March 21, at Elele Barracks came to a climax at the weekend.

In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, Rear Adm. Idi Abass, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Central Naval Command, said he is convinced that the ideals that led to the organization of the exercise have been realised.

He said the winners and participants have individually and collectively distinguished themselves and their team in the various competitive events have above all sharpened their skills in the profession.

Represented by Commodore Clement Atebi, the FOC congratulated all the participants for the high standard of discipline, and sportsmanship displayed, as professional soldiers.

According to him: “Indeed as leaders at your own levels, you have not only demonstrated your capabilities but also fostered the much-needed esprit de corps expected of service personnel.

“History will be kind to you for the show of commitment, the resilience you have demonstrated during this competition.

“The competition demonstrated an array of activities such as weapon handling, physical fitness, endurance run, map reading, combat swimming, drill amongst others,” he said.

He said that he is convinced that the activities have significantly enhanced their level of proficiency in the noble profession in the armed forces.

The FOC, said that he is happy to note that there are rewarding lessons they have learnt and is willing to show such to the younger soldiers in their respective formations and units.

He noted that the buildup of the competition has shown hope amongst all the participants.

Abass said that looking at the nature of the competition that it is only natural that some will emerge, as winners, while others need to work harder next time.

He said 16 Brigade who are the winners of the competition, have put more effort to clinch the overall best title in the competition.

The FOC, urged those who could not make it to put more effort into future competitions, stating that the coast is clear for them in a better competition in the nearest future.

On his part, the Commander 16 Brigade Brig-Gen. Olurotimi Awolo, thank God, and those who made the competition successful without recording any casualties from the competition.

He said the competition was keenly contested, and that the aim is to improve the leadership strength of the organizational abilities and to build on the initiative of corporals and their personnel in the Nigerian Army.

The commander said the competition is also aimed at promoting esprit de corps amongst troops and the performance in the event would not have been possible without the support of officials and the host unit.