In adherence to the Nigerian Army’s calendar of events and the Guards Brigade Training Directive for the year 2024, the Guards Brigade officially commenced the 2024 Corporal and Below Competition today, April 30th, at the Mambilla Barracks Parade ground in Asokoro.
The ceremony was inaugurated by Major General S. Nuhu, the Director of Coordination and Linkages at the Nigerian Army Heritage Future Center, who graced the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour. In his inaugural speech, General Nuhu conveyed his pleasure at being invited to the event and emphasized the current significance of such training exercises in light of the prevailing security challenges faced by the nation, including those within the operational purview of the Guards Brigade.
General Nuhu underscored the crucial role played by the participants in the competition, stating that they constitute the majority of troops responsible for carrying out the essential duties of the Nigerian Army. He encouraged the competitors to maintain unwavering determination and concentration throughout the competition to fully benefit from the various activities planned for the event.
Addressing the gathering earlier, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya, the Commander of the Guards Brigade, highlighted the imperative nature of continuous training and development for the personnel under his command within the Nigerian Army. He emphasized that such processes are instrumental in cultivating discipline, enhancing physical fitness, fostering combat readiness, and fostering team cohesion, particularly among the brigade’s troops.
He added that the competition which is also in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s vision of having “A Professionally Responsive Nigerian Army Ready to Accomplish Assigned Mission within a Joint Environment in Defence of Nigeria is to further afford units under command to assess areas of strength and weakness of personnel so as to ensure adequate preparation to enhance troops proficiency in the field.
He commended the Commanding officers for their efforts towards ensuring that troops were equipped physically and mentally towards achieving the desired objectives of the competition while urging all participants to imbibe high standards of discipline, alertness and readiness of the respective participating units.
The events to be competed for are, Weapon handling, Map Reading, Obstacle Crossing, Combat Cross Country and Drill from 30 April to 3 May 2024. The competing Units are 7 Guards Battalion Maitama, 202 Guards Battalion Suleja, 177 Guards Battalion Kefi, 176 Guards Battalion Gwagwalada and Guards Brigade Garrison Asokoro Abuja respectively.
The event was well attended by representatives of various Army formations including Commanding Officers of the various competing Battalions and the Commander Guards Brigade Garrison.
Highlights of the event was the presentation of souvenirs, group photographs, the Weapon Handling as well as the Map Reading practices which elicited excitement from the audience. The competition is expected to end on 3 May 2024.
The commencement of the 2024 Corporal and Below Competition marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance the capabilities and preparedness of the Guards Brigade in fulfilling its critical responsibilities within the Nigerian Army. The competition is poised to provide a platform for personnel to showcase their skills, professionalism, and dedication to service, thereby contributing to the overall readiness and effectiveness of the brigade in safeguarding national security.
