Headquarters 2 Division Training School Inaugurates Students Of Exercise Shining Star 6/2024

Headquarters 2 Division Training School Inaugurates Students Of Exercise Shining Star 6/2024

The Headquarters (HQ) 2 Division Nigerian Army (NA), on Friday, 9 August 2024, inaugurated students trainees of *EXERCISE SHINING STAR* 6/2024, at Major General John Inienger Sports Complex, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan. The training programme which assembled 2 Captains and 413 members of 86 Regular Recruit Intake (RRI), commenced their training activities on 29 July 2024.

In his inaugural speech, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division NA, Major General Obinna Onubogu, who was the Special Guest of Honour (SGoH) at the event, said, “this training would not have been at a better time than now, when the country is passing through myriads of security challenges such as, terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, civil protests and communal clashes amongst others.”

He told the trainees that the training was their first, since after they graduated from DEPOT NA; urging them to make judicious use of the opportunity to scale up their chances of acquiring requisite skills which will enable them contribute their quoter in actualising the Chief of Army Staff’s (COAS) Command Philosophy, which seeks ” *To Transform the Nigerian Army into a Well – trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving Our Constitutional Responsibilities Within a Joint Environment* “. He added, that the training aims at introducing the young soldiers to certain significant areas of the military profession, and prepare them adequately for the tasks ahead of their chosen career.

The GOC, in line with Army Headquarters (AHQ) training directive, also noted with emphasis on Reverse Cycle Training, that there would be lectures on Combat Medics and Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC). These, he said, were designed to improve the trainees’ knowledge on procedures of providing life support to injured soldiers during operations as well as to build and sustain effective CIMIC with other security agencies during joint operations.

He further implored the trainees, to pay adequate attention to the training details, in order to meet the course objectives, which he said, were meant to enhance their career progression in the NA and aid them in making meaningful and professional contributions to the security and general development of the nation.

General Onubogu, thanked the COAS for approving the course and providing all the necessary logistic requirements. He assured the trainees that the Division takes seriously, the issues of their welfare and security; while charging them to keep their personal weapons safe, maintain general cleanliness and personal hygiene as well as adhere strictly to laid down rules and regulations for the smooth conduct of the course.

He also appreciated the Instructors for their sustained sacrifice and good efforts towards training young soldiers; urging them to remain determined in ensuring the trainees maintain high level of discipline, regimentation and be guides by the core values of the NA, which he said would aid them in effective discharge of their duties.

Earlier, while delivering his welcome address, the Division Training Officer (DTO), Colonel Mfon Akpan, said that the exercise is a bi -annual Basic Battle Course training requirement, designed to build and enhance troops’ battle and endurance skills in line with global best practices. EXERCISE SHINING STAR, indicates an outdoor exercise setting, conducted in the field with its activities representing 80 and 20 percentages in practicals and theories respectively,” he said.

He added that the training package, afford students the opportunity to improve their physical fitness and as well acquire the needed professional knowledge and skills to become proficient in handling military weapons and other equipment while performing assigned constitutional roles.

The DTO, expressed gratitude to the GOC, for facilitatimg the approval of the course; saying his exemplary leadership, reflects in his deep passion of impacting quality and realistic training as well as improved welfare for officers and men of 2 Division. The trainees comprise officers and soldiers drawn from units and formations within 2 Division Area of Responsibility (AOR).

The SGoH, inaugurated a total of 2 officers and 413 soldiers for EXERCISE SHINING STAR 6/2024. The event was climaxed with unanimous recitation of the Soldiers’ Creed by the trainees and a group photograph.