Chiemelie Ezeobi
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, has urged participants in the ongoing 81 Division Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (WOs/SNCOs) Combat Proficiency Competition 2026 to demonstrate discipline, professionalism and excellence throughout the exercise.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, the charge was delivered at the opening ceremony of the competition held on Monday, 15 June 2026, at the 192 Battalion Parade Ground, Owode-Yewa, Ogun State.
Represented by the Division Training Officer, Brigadier General HM Bello, the GOC described the competition as an important platform for evaluating professional competence, reinforcing military standards and improving operational effectiveness across the Division.
Major General Babalola noted that warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers remain central to maintaining discipline and operational efficiency within the military. He described them as custodians of military standards and the vital link between officers and soldiers.
According to him, the competition is designed to assess participants’ leadership abilities, military knowledge, physical fitness and capacity to perform effectively under pressure, while also fostering professional camaraderie and encouraging the exchange of best practices among formations.
He further urged all participants to uphold integrity, sportsmanship and strict compliance with established procedures, stressing that military standards must be maintained at all times.
Earlier, the Commander 81 Division Garrison, Brigadier General AI Getso, represented by the Acting Commanding Officer, Admin Battalion, Major SS Maikasuwa, said the competition was aimed at strengthening leadership skills, professional competence, esprit de corps and combat readiness among WOs and SNCOs in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy.
He expressed appreciation to the GOC for his continued support and for assigning the Garrison the responsibility of hosting the competition.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior officers, officers, warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers. Key highlights included the inspection of contingents and the administration of the oath of impartiality by the Chief Umpire.