6th November, 2022
Mohammed Tijjani
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, says sports are essential in boosting the physical fitness of troops to cope with the rigours of the military profession.
Lagbaja stated this on Saturday at the closing ceremony of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji’s second bi-annual sports competition for the year 2022, which had 408 athletes participating.
The athletes were drawn from the headquarters of the AFCSC’s departments.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports that the week-long sporting competition featured 14 events namely: football, tennis, volleyball, handball, swimming, squash, badminton, golf, basketball, scrabble, tug of war, chess, five aside and table tennis.
Lagbaja, represented by the Garrison Commander, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Brig-Gen Chibueze Ogbuabo, advised officers and men to regard sports as part of their daily routine.
He commended all the participants for their efforts and display of team spirit which, he said, was essential in all military operations.
“It is my sincere belief that the events have been exciting and worthwhile. I, therefore, commend your spirit of sportsmanship,” the GOC added.
He explained that sports competition goes beyond winning medals and trophies, it’s also an opportunity for recreation, self-discovery and physical development.
“For participants and teams who did not win desired medals, you would have the opportunity to put up a better performance in subsequent sports competitions,” he said.
He charged the students to endeavour to create time, despite the tight academic programme in the college, to always keep fit.
The GOC commended the organizers of the competition, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that all activities were conducted seamlessly, which culminated in a successful competition.
The Headquarters of the AFCSC/Department of Joint Studies emerged winner with 8 gold, while the Department of Land Warfare came 2nd with 6 gold; Maritime Warfare 3rd with 2 gold and Air Warfare came 4th with one Gold medal.