The Nigerian Army has assured Nigerians of its determination to ensure lasting peace in the northeast and other troubled zones.
The General Officer Commanding 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Kasimu Abdulkarim, gave the assurance while addressing military personnel on Sunday at the closing session of the 2 Division’s Inter-Brigade and Formation Sports Competition in Ibadan the capital of Oyo State.
The competition took place at the Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment Sports Complex in Odogbo, a community in Ibadan.
Major General Abdulkarim stressed that the military’s commitment to ending insurgency remained unwavering, which he said was being demonstrated by the onslaught against the Boko Haram sect that has terrorised communities in the northeast.
He commended the Chief of Army Staff for his support for the age-long traditional games of the Nigerian Army.
He told the gathering that the Nigerian Army had been able to restore normalcy in most parts of the northeast where the Boko Haram Sect have gained ground before.
“We will not give up until the battle is over,” he reiterated.
On the games, the General Officer Commanding 2 Division described the competition as crucial to the mental and physical development of soldiers and urged the military personnel to continue to exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship at all times.
The Inter-Brigade Sports Competition was organised to prepare officers of 2 the Division for the coming Nigerian Army Sports Festival and rekindle the spirit of commitment and sportsmanship within the 2 Division.
Maintenance Of Communal Peace
Also at the occasion was the Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi.
He declared open the games and urged the officers and men of 2 Division to be the best at all they do by harnessing the strength and talent within them.
Governor Ajimobi, who was represented by the Secretary to the state Government Mr Olalekan Alli, lauded the efforts of the Nigerian Army especially at fighting insurgency.
He advised them to commit all energy necessary to the games, as it had the potential of promoting greater dedication and renewed commitment to peace and security of Nigeria.
The Governor also promised to collaborate with officers and men of the 2 Division for sports development and maintenance of communal peace within the state.
Highlights of the week-long competition include, football, volleyball, squash, combative games, chess, athletics and more.
At the end of the championship, the traditional campfire night was organised to celebrate successful completion of the Inter-Brigade Competition.
Those who emerged winners would represent 2 Division at the Nigerian Army Sports Festival coming up in September.
