Sports competition: Army tests officers’ mental fitness, combat readiness

The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army has commenced its Inter Brigade Sports Competition aimed at testing the officers’ mental fitness and combat readiness.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Musa Yusuf, in a statement on Thursday in Lagos, said that continuous training was the only guarantee of having physically and mentally fit personnel.

“The competition has all the formation and units of the division grouped into four to ensure maximum participation.

“The formations participating are 35 Artillery, 45 Engineer Brigade, 81 Div. Garrison and 9 Brigade.

“Continuous training is the only way of having able-bodied men and women to carry out the security duties effectively.

“Training is also a critical element that builds and sustains professionalism in the sector and equips personnel with the skills to perform any task in all situations,” he said.

Yusuf said the competition, which started on Sept. 12 at the Buratai Sports Complex, 9 Brigade Ikeja, Lagos, would end on Sept. 15.

Also, Brig.-Gen. Mundane Ali, Commander, 9 Brigade, said one way to navigate through difficult paths was through continuous sporting and training activities.

Ali said this would hone the skills and professional judgment of the personnel.

He said the events to be competed for included football, volleyball, table tennis, combat race and half marathon.