The Army Headquarters Garrison emerged as the overall winner of the 2024 Nigerian Army Inter Formation Mini Athletics Championship, They secured a total of 10 gold, 8 silver, and 6 bronze medals, On Friday.
The week-long Championship began on 14 May 2024 and featured 70 participants each from the Army Headquarters Garrison and all Nigerian Army Divisions, except for the 7 Division, which could not attend due to operational commitments.
The event was officially opened by Major General OO Oluyede, the Commander of the Infantry Corps, representing the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
Athletes competed in various track and field events, including discus, shot put, hammer throw, javelin, long jump, high jump, and triple jump.
At the end of the competition, the 1 Division Nigerian Army secured second place with 9 gold, 9 silver, and 6 bronze medals, while the 6 Division came in third with 7 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze medals.
The 8 Division finished fourth with 1 gold, 5 silver, and 3 bronze medals. The 3 Division took fifth place with 1 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze medals.
The 82 Division came in sixth with 1 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze medals, and the 81 Division finished seventh with 1 gold, 5 silver, and 3 bronze medals.
The 2 Division ended in eighth place with 2 silver and 7 bronze medals. The championship concluded on 17 May 2024.
In his closing remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, highlighted that the Championship was designed to enhance physical fitness, promote comradeship among Nigerian Army personnel, and groom future athletes for the Army.
Represented by Major General JO Ochai, the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), the COAS emphasized that the event aligned with his 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.”
He further stressed the importance of physical training, noting that it benefits individuals as much as eating food does.
“For us in the Nigerian Army, physical fitness and mental well-being are paramount. An army that is not physically fit cannot succeed in operations or achieve its constitutional mandates,” he said.
Gen Lagbaja encouraged the participants and all Nigerian Army troops to always strive for physical fitness.
He urged them to inspire their families and dependents in the barracks to adopt healthy habits.
“I believe the championship has improved your physical fitness and mental capacity. I urge you all to showcase your talents and make your formations and the Nigerian Army proud at all times,” he added.
The event concluded with the presentation of medals to the athletes, trophies to the representatives of the top three formations, and souvenirs to the Special Guest of Honour and other dignitaries.
