By Olayemi Esan
The 82 Division Nigerian Army has commenced it's Corporal and Below Competition and the host for this year's Competition is 13 Brigade Nigerian Army Calabar.
The Competition which is an annual exercise is aimed at improving the leadership and organizing team spirit among Corporal's and Below in the Division with the view to prepare them to undertake more challenging responsibilities. The Participating formation from 82 Division Area of Responsibility were 82 Division Garrison Enugu, 13 Brigade Calabar, 34 Brigade Owerri, 14 Brigade Ohafia, 44 Engineer and 52 Signal Brigade Abakalika.
The Special Guest of Honor, General Officer Commanding 82 Division Major General TA Lagbaja who was ably represented by the Commander 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig Gen MD Abumawashi in his Opening Remarks at the Opening Ceremony said the Competition is aimed improving sportsmanship amongst the Corporal's and Below of the Division.
This is in line with the Chief of Army Staff's Vision which is "A professional Nigerian Army Ready to accomplish assigned missions within a joint environment in defense of Nigeria".
He enjoined the Participants to display high level of competitive spirit in a healthy environment Also the Chief Host, Commander 13 Brigade Nigerian Army Brig Gen EI Okoro in his Welcome Address advice the participants to put in their best and request that the Chief Umpires be neutral and give all Competitors equal opportunities.
The Competition which is a 5 day event will feature the following events; Drill, Weapon Handling, both Night and Day Firing, Combat Swimming, Obstacle Crossing, Cross Country Race and also Map Reading and Navigation,
The Drill competition which was used to kickstart the event in Opening Ceremony was Keenly participated and at the end, 13 Brigade Calabar emerged 1st Position, 14 Brigade Ohafia emerged 2nd Position and 82 Division Garrison Enugu as 3rd Position.
Present at the Event were Commandant Amphibious Training School Calabar, the Director of Military Training Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna, Administrative Officer Eastern Naval Fleet, Commander 305 Special Mobility Group and representatives from other Paramilitary Agencies.
