In a display of exceptional skill and sportsmanship, 1 Division Garrison has emerged as the winner of the highly competitive annual Warrant Officers (WOs) and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) Competition 2023. The 3 days events which held at the Nigerian Defence Academy Sports Complex Ribadu Cantonment, Kaduna commenced on 3 July 2023 with 1 Division Garrison Kaduna, 3 Brigade Kano and 31 Artillery Brigade all competing for the trophy.
In his closing remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division and Force Commander Operation Whirl Punch Maj Gen BA Alabi represented by the Chief of Staff 1 Division Brig Gen MK Gara emphasized the significance of effective training in peace time so as to enhance battle performance of personnel. In his words “We can only fight the way we train.” He reiterated the importance of regular training for commanders and their troops to ensure mental and physical preparedness in tackling the prevailing security challenges confronting the Division Area of Responsibility.
He added that training and retraining approach aligns with the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, which aims to “Transform the Nigerian Army into a Well-trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Toward Achieving the NA’s Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment.” He then encouraged all participants to share the spirit and knowledge gained during the competition with their respective units and formations, even as he remind them that they are all winners.
The three formations within the Division’s Area of Responsibility competed in various exercises, including weapon handling, stripping and assembling, map reading, point-to-point navigation, range classification, combat swimming and physical fitness test. At the end, 1 Division Garrison Kaduna emerged as the overall winner while 3 Brigade Kano and 31 Artillery Brigades Minna, Niger State came second and third positions respective.
Highpoints of the events were the presentation of trophy to deserving formation and souvenir to the Special Guest of Honour.
