The Commander, Guards Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Umar Tama Musa has tasked troops on the need for synergy and unity of purpose of the diverse cultural groups among soldiers and officers in military barracks saying it is a key factor towards ensuring better civil-military relationship, thereby enhancing professionalism among troops.
The Commander made the disclosure while declaring open, the 2018 Guards Brigade Sports/Culture week at the Aguiyi Ironsi Cantonment Sports ground in Abuja on Monday.
About 300 competitors and cultural groups drawn from 7 Guards Battalion, 102 Battalion, 176 Battalion, 177 Battalion and Guards Brigade Garrison are taking part in the competition featuring 14 games, including Badminton, Lawn Tennis, Taekwondo, Volleyball, football, Boxing, Handball, Basketball and Combat Relay.
Speaking on the importance of the games, the Brigade Commander said, “It is part of our 2018 programmes and its purpose is to ensure physical fitness and mental alertness among troops as well as discover new sporting talents for the Nigerian Army and the nation.
He recalled that in the past Nigerian Army sportsmen and women represented the nation at international events including World Championships and the Olympics adding that they won many medals to make Nigeria proud, having been discovered from such events.
General Musa reiterated that the Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army, which is responsible for the protection of Mr. President, FCT and its Environs, cannot afford to let off its guard hence all hands must be on deck to ensure discipline, readiness and professionalism at all times, noting that the sporting and cultural week aside regular training was one of the ways to achieve this.
At the opening ceremony, several cultural groups from the various Battalions including the Gbagyi, Maade, Yoruba, Tiv, Hausa/Fulani and Calabar cultural troupe entertained invited guests and spectators with General Musa saying it will enhance cordial civil-military relationship between troops and members of the civil populace.
Highlight of the ceremony was lighting of the Games Touch and hoisting of the flag to declare the sports week open by Brigadier General UT Musa.
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