The former Chief of Army Staff(COAS) Lieutenant General Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd), has flaged off the Nigerian Army (NA) Sports Festival (NASFEST) the 82 Division Chapter on Tuesday the 16th of October, 2018.
The event commenced with the Combat Marathon race (10 KM) that took place in the early hours of the day at Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.
At the finishing point, – deliberately chosen and located at the Onu Ibina Primary School, the Special Guest of Honour Lt Gen OA Ihejirika, in his keynote address expressed satisfaction on the state of training in the NA.
“I am glad to see that training programmes to keep fit are continuing in the NA, especially engaging in sports competitions that will not only engender esprit-de-corps but showcase the NA’s mental and physical capabilities,” he said.
He commended the participants/formations and units of the 82 Division that took part in the competition for their zeal, commitment and determination.
According to him “I do understand that this sports festival is in preparation for the NA Sports Festival which is expected at a later date.
Observing the zeal, commitment and determination displayed by officers and soldiers of 82 Division shows that the division will put up a good outing at the forth coming NA Sports Festival 2018”.
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“The overall concept of the NA Sports festival is in line with the COAS Vision which is – “To have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles” he added.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division NA, Major General Emmanuel Kabuk stated that the competition is aimed at testing the combat proficiency, level of endurance of the Brigades within 82 Division and their capacities to tackle existing and emerging security challenges within their areas of responsibilities.
According to him “The competition is also intended to improve the combat readiness of the Brigades under the Division in line with the COAS vision.
Hence, the importance of physical fitness as part of military training, professionalism and responsiveness will be clearly brought to bear during this contest”.
The Commanders of 13 and 14 Brigades as well as the Garrison Commander 82 Division and Commander 34 Brigade were in attendance.
Others were the representative of the Chairman Bende LGA, Heads of other Security Agencies, traditional rulers and other important dignitaries graced the event.
Also, various colourful, energetic and ingenious cultural dance groups displayed their talents at the massively attended occasion.
Sagir Musa
Colonel
Deputy Director Public Relations
