The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, has charged participants in the ongoing 81 Division Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (WOs/SNCOs) Combat Proficiency Competition 2026 to uphold discipline, professionalism and excellence throughout the exercise.
The GOC gave the charge during the opening ceremony of the competition held on Monday, June 15, 2026, at the 192 Battalion Parade Ground, Owode-Yewa, Ogun State. Represented by the Division Training Officer, Brigadier General H.M. Bello, the GOC described the competition as a vital platform for assessing professional competence, reinforcing military standards and enhancing operational effectiveness across the division.
Emphasis on Leadership and Standards
Major General Babalola emphasised that WOs and SNCOs remain the bedrock of discipline and operational efficiency in the military, serving as custodians of standards and a critical link between officers and soldiers. He noted that the competition would test participants’ leadership qualities, military knowledge, physical fitness and ability to perform under pressure, while promoting professional camaraderie and the exchange of best practices among formations.
The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, in a statement yesterday, noted that participants were urged to conduct themselves with integrity, sportsmanship and strict adherence to laid-down procedures so that standards would not be compromised.
Competition Objectives
Earlier, the Commander, 81 Division Garrison, Brigadier General A.I. Getso, represented by the Acting Commanding Officer, Admin Battalion, Major S.S. Maikasuwa, stated that the competition was designed to enhance 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 thanked the GOC for his continued support and for entrusting the garrison with hosting the competition.
The ceremony was attended by senior officers, officers, warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers. Highlights included the inspection of contingents and the administration of the oath of impartiality by the Chief Umpire.
