Physical Fitness, Key To Capacity Building Of Personnel Of The NA — COAS

Physical Fitness, Key To Capacity Building Of Personnel Of The NA — COAS

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Maj Gen TA Lagbaja has described physical fitness as one of the key areas of capacity building in the Nigerian Army. He stated this while declaring open the maiden edition of the Nigerian Army Inter Formations Combat Sports and Swimming Championship 2023 at the Nigerian Defence Acadamy Sports Complex, Ribadu Cantonment Kaduna today 25 July 2023.

The COAS who was represented by the Commander Infantry Corps Maj Gen OO Oluyede while giving his opening remarks reflected on the myriads of security issues bedeviling the nation and the need to enhance Nigerian Army capacity to combat the challenges. He added that in the current operating environment though volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous, the Nigerian Army has to enhance the capacity of its personnel for efficient employment of all hands to achieve desired results of effectively confronting contemporary adversaries.

He reiterated that it is imperative to ensure the promotion of physical fitness of all Nigerian Army personnel in line with the COAS Command Philosophy which is “To Transform the Nigerian Army
into Well-Trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force towards achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment.

The COAS appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strategic direction and unflinching support to the Nigerian Army as he urged all the competitors to make the best use of the Championship to display a high level of fitness and the spirit of comradeship.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the chief host and General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army/ Force Commander Operation WHIRL PUNCH Maj Gen BA Alabi said the effort and investment that has been put into organizing the Championship is a clear indication of the premium the Chief of Army Staff places on ensuring the operational readiness of the Nigerian Army under a competitive sporting atmosphere and to also work at imbuing personnel with the requisite competence towards achieving the specific objectives of the 2023 training year.

He added that the Championship is intended to prepare troops for battle in view of the current security challenges in the country and the objective of the competition is to improve troops combat proficiency, physical fitness, enhance troops leadership traits, use of initiative and also promote esprit de corps amongst others.

Maj Gen Alabi applauded the COAS for providing all the necessary and requisite resources/logistics for the smooth conduct of the Championship as he assured all esteemed guests and participants of the improved security situation in Kaduna and urge them to feel confident and safe during their stay in the State.

The weeklong Championship has 70 participants from all the Division’s of the NA and Army Headquarters Garrison with exception of 7 Division as the only non participating Division. Completing formations would slug it out in boxing, wrestling and combat swimming. The Championship is expected to end on 27 July 2023.

Highpoints of the opening ceremony were match pass by participants, oath taking by officials and participants, unarmed combat display, presentation of souvenir and group photograph.