COAS Urges Nigerian Army Athletes to Promote Health and Camaraderie at Inter-Formation Athletics Championship
By Ayshatu S. Rabo
In a rousing call to action, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Taoreed Lagbaja, has encouraged Nigerian Army athletes to use their talents to foster healthy camaraderie and enhance physical fitness among themselves. This charge was delivered during the Nigerian Army Inter-Formation Mini Athletics Championship 2024, which featured over 600 athletes from various divisions competing in a week-long series of track and field events.
Representing the COAS as the Special Guest of Honour, the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Major General John Ochai, emphasized that the championship aligns with the COAS Command Philosophy: “To transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped, and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.”
General Ochai highlighted the importance of physical training, stating, “There is no other human activity, other than eating food, that is as beneficial to a person as physical training. For us in the Nigerian Army, physical fitness and mental as well as emotional well-being are paramount. An army that is not physically fit cannot succeed in operations and cannot achieve its constitutional mandates.”
He encouraged all personnel to give their best in maintaining physical fitness and to inspire their families and dependents to adopt healthy habits. “Showcase your talents and strive hard to make your formations and indeed the Nigerian Army proud,” General Ochai added.
The championship featured a variety of events, including athletics, discus, shot put, hammer throw, javelin, long jump, high jump, and triple jump. Athletes were drawn from 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 81, and 82 Divisions as well as the Army Headquarters Garrison.
The final results saw the Army Headquarters Garrison emerging as the overall winner, securing 10 gold medals. 1 Division clinched the second position with 9 gold medals, while 6 Division came third with 7 gold medals. 8 Division took fourth place with 1 gold and 5 silver medals, 3 Division came fifth with 1 gold and 2 silver medals, 82 Division in sixth position with 1 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze medals, 8 Division in seventh with 1 gold, and 2 Division came eighth with 2 silver medals.
The event’s climax featured the participation of the Commandant in the 400 Meter run on the track as part of the closing ceremony.
The championship not only celebrated athletic prowess but also reinforced the Nigerian Army’s commitment to physical fitness and camaraderie—essential elements for a robust and effective military force.
COAS Urges Nigerian Army Athletes to Promote Health and Camaraderie at Inter-Formation Athletics Championship