250 soldiers compete for laurels at maiden Nigerian Army Ball Games
A total of 250 army personnel are seeking to secure laurels as the maiden edition of the Nigerian Army Ball Games opened on Monday in Kaduna.
The 250 personnel from nine army divisions and formations will strive to lift trophies as the week-long competition in handball, hasketball, football and volleyball began at the NDA Sports Complex in Ribadu Cantonment, Kaduna.
The athletes were drawn from 1 Division Nigerian Army, 2 Division, 3 Division, 6 Division , 8 Division, 81 Division, 82 Division, Army Headquarters Garrison and.the Special Forces Command.
The Chief of Army Staff, (COAS),Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, represented by the Commander Infantry Corps , Maj.-Gen. Usman Yusuf, said that the event was aimed at enhancing the fitness of the personnel, and teamwork.
“The championship aligns with the NA’s command philosophy of bequeathing a well-motivated and combat-ready force,” he said, adding that regular training is important to the growth and development of the Nigerian Army.
Oluyede said tthat he event was also designed to identify natural talents, promote teamwork, and achieve cohesion among personnel.
The COAS appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his support to the Nigerian Army even as he urged the participants and officials to abide by the rules and ensure a hitch-free event.
“With these objectives in mind, the championship is set to achieve its goals and contribute to the NA’s mission of securing the nation’s territorial integrity and citizenry.
“The Nigerian Army under my watch, will continue to discharge its responsibilities forcefully against the enemies of the nation and at all times towards securing our territorial integrity and citizenry.
“However, we need the support of the citizens through the provision of timely information to enable us act to ensure their security.”
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, told the participants to demonstrate their abilities, confidence and endurance.
He urged the participants to remain professional, focused, and committed to the competition, while admonishing the umpires to follow the laid-down rules to ensure a successful event.
The GOC assured that the Nigerian Army would continue to prioritise these values.
Saraso expressed gratitude to the COAS for choosing his division to host the competition and for the support being provided.
