The 2024 Nigerian Army Inter Formation Mini Athletics Championship commenced on a high note on Tuesday at the Nigerian Defence Academy Sports Complex in Afaka, Kaduna. The week-long event, which runs from May 13th to 17th, features 80 participants from Army Headquarters Garrison and divisions across the Nigerian Army, except for the 7th Division, which could not participate due to operational exigencies.
In his opening remarks, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen TA Lagbaja, represented by the Commander Infantry Corps, Maj Gen OO Oluyede, charged participants to “make their formations proud and abide by the rules and regulations governing the championship.”
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“The Competition is geared towards achieving the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy, which is ‘to transform the Nigerian Army into a well trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibility in a joint environment,'” Oluyede stated.
The representative of the special guest of honour remarked, “the championship is designed to enhance the fitness of personnel, develop their physical and mental toughness and identify natural talent for future grooming.”
He added that the Championship will feature a variety of track and field events, including hurdles, shot put, long jump, and discus, among others. He urged participants to strive hard to win laurels for their formations and to avoid drug addiction and other illegal and unlawful practices that could disqualify them from participation.
“I urge all participants to showcase their talent and display the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the Championship,” he said.
The representative also expressed appreciation to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), for his “unflinching and continuous support to the Nigerian Army.”
In his welcome remarks, the host and General Officer Commanding 1 Division/Commander Operation Whirl Punch, Maj Gen MLD Saraso, welcomed all distinguished guests, umpires, observers, judges, and participants to the Nigerian Defence Academy for the Championship.
Saraso said, “Let me begin by stating that this competition is a major event in Nigerian Army annual training activities
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“It is mainly organized to improve the fitness of personnel, develop their physical capacity so as to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, the benefits derivable in participating in this competition are unquantifiable. Apart from enhancing the physical and mental well-being of the participants, it provides the platform for the participants to demonstrate their innate abilities to lead and exhibit good organizational skills.” He added
He urged participants to remain professional, focused, and committed during the Championship and called on umpires to follow the laid-down rules to ensure a successful championship devoid of any form of doubt. Saraso also appreciated the continuous support of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TA Lagbaja, whose “immense material and moral support contributed in making the Championship a reality.”
The opening ceremony featured the presentation of medals to deserving participants, refreshments, souvenir presentations, and photographs.
