The 8 Division Nigerian Army have commenced the annual Corporal and Below, Competition in Sokoto state aimed at transforming the Nigerian Army into a motivated and mission-ready force in the country.
The General Officer Commanding the eight division Major General Ibikunle Ajose said the competition is a direct reflection of the Chief of Army Staff’s vision towards refining and transforming leadership and battlefield skills at the grassroots level.
The GOC who was represented by the Commander of 78 Supply and Transport Brigade, Brigadier General Moses Udom Ikobah, explained that the contest aligns with the Nigerian Army’s broader efforts to improve combat effectiveness in the face of evolving security threats.
He urged all participants to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, teamwork, and integrity.
In a welcome address the Commander, 8 Division Garrison Brigadier General AbdulMalik Jibia Mohammed expressed pride in hosting the event and highlighted its significance beyond the spirit of competition.
He said the competition is designed to strengthen junior leadership, reinforce core military values, and build a strong esprit de corps among troops and fosters inter-unit cooperation while sharpening the initiative, physical resilience, and tactical ability of non Commissioned Officers.
Brigadier General Abdulmslik Jibia who cited the strategic value of the exercises, noted that the competition will feature a wide array of challenging events, ranging from map reading, swimming, drill exercises, endurance runs, to weapon handling, aimed at testing the combat readiness of participants.
Radio Nigeria in Sokoto report that the week-long event brings together formations from across the division, including 1 Brigade, 17 Brigade, 48 Engineer Brigade, 58 Signal Brigade, and the host formation, all competing not just for glory, but to demonstrate their operational readiness and professional excellence.
NASIR MALALI
