The 35 Artillery Brigade Nigerian Army has hosted the 81 Division Nigerian Army year 2023 Corporal and below Competition in Alamala Barracks, Abeokuta. The 5 days competition kick started on Tuesday, 12 April 2023 with Drill competition as part of the opening ceremony which took place at the brigade's parade ground.
The competition is an annual exercise aimed at improving the leadership and organizing team spirit among Corporal and below in the Division with the view to prepare them to undertake more challenging responsibilities.
The participating formations from 81 Division Area of Responsibility(AOR) are 81 Division Garrison, 9 Brigade, 45 Engineer Brigade and 35 Artillery Brigade as the host formation. The participants competed in Weapon Handling, Combat Swimming, Obstacle Crossing, Map Reading/Navigation amongst others.
The Special Guest of Honor and General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Major General Obinna Ajunwa who was ably represented by the 81 Div Training Officer, Brig Gen Oluwale Davies in his remarks said the competition is aimed at improving sportsmanship amongst the Corporal and below of the Division in line with the Chief of Army Staff Vision which is " A Professional Nigerian Army Ready to Accomplish Assigned Missions Within a Joint Environment in Defense of Nigeria".
Therefore, he enjoined the participants to display high level of competitive spirit in a healthy environment.
During the opening ceremony, the Chief host, Commander 35 Artillery Brigade, Brig Gen Mohammed Tajudeen Aminu in his welcome address urged the participants to put in their best and request that the Chief Umpires be neutral and give all competitors equal opportunities.
In his remarks during the closing ceremony of the week long competition, the representative of the General Officer Commanding who was visibly impressed by the organisation of the competition commended the competitive spirit of participants. He also urged them to always keep fit and take every training exercises seriously adding that it is the best welfare a soldier can receive.
The 81 Division Garrison emerged first position with 460 points, 35 Artillery Brigade emerged Second position, Thirst position goes to 9 Brigade and the Last position is 45 Engineer brigade respectively.
The Competition was climaxed with presentation of awards to individuals who distinguished themselves and formations that emerged first in each event, Vote of thanks by the Chief of Staff 35 Artillery Brigade, Lieutenant Colonel DO Igwilo, and group photographs.
