Army Headquarters Garrison Emerges Overall Winner Of Nigerian Army Inter Formations Mini Athletics Championship 2024

Army Headquarters Garrison Emerges Overall Winner Of Nigerian Army Inter Formations Mini Athletics Championship 2024

The Army Headquarters Garrison on Friday 17 May 2024 emerged the overall winner of the Nigerian Army Inter Formation Mini Athletics Championship 2024, with a total of 10 gold, 8 silver and 6 bronze.

The week-long Championship which commenced on 14 May 2024 with 70 participants each from Army Headquarters Garrison and all the Divisions of the Nigerian Army less 7 Division that could not attend due to operational exigencies was declared open by the representative of the Chief of Army Staff(COAS) and Commander Infantry Corps Maj Gen OO Oluyede.

The athletes competed in various track and field events including Discus, Shot Put, Hammer, Javelin, Long Jump, High Jump and Triple jump among others. At the end, 1 Division Nigeria Army came 2nd position with 9 gold , 9 silver and 6 bronze while 6 Division came 3rd position with 7 gold , 2 silver and 3 bronze. 8 Division on the other hand came 4th position with 1 gold , 5 silver and 3 bronze. 3 Division came 5th position with 1 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze. 6th position went to 82 Division with 1 gold , 2 silver , 2 bronze, just as 81 Division came 7th position with 1 gold, 5 silver and 3 bronze and 2 Division came 8th position with 2 silver. 7 bronze respectively. The championship officially came to an end on 17 May 2024

In his closing remarks, the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja stated that the Championship was designed to enhance physical fitness and promote comradeship among Nigerian Army personnel as well as grooming of future athletes for the Nigerian Army. The COAS who was represented by Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Maj Gen JO Ochai added that the Championship was in line with the COAS Command Philosophy which is “To Transform the NA into a Well-trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment”.

He further reiterated that “there is no any other human activities other than eating food that is beneficial to a person as physical training, physical training enhanced physical fitness”.
“For us in Nigerian Army physical fitness and mental well-being are paramount, because an army that is not physically fit can not succeed in operation and can not achieved it constitutional mandates”.

Gen Lagbaja encouraged the participants and troops of the Nigerian Army to alway give their best in making sure they are physically fit all the times.

In his words “You should encourage your wivrs, children and other dependant in the barracks to imbibe healthy habits.
“I believe the championship has improved your physical fitness and mental capacity. I urge you all to showcase your talents and strive hard to make your formation and indeed the Nigerian Army proud at all times”

Highlights of the events were presentation of medals to deserving athletes and trophies to representatives of formations that emerged first, second and third position as well as presentation of souvenirs to the Special Guest of Honour and other dignitaries.