No fewer than forty-eight officers of the 81 Division, Nigerian Army, have embarked on proficiency test on how to handle weapons effectively and military drills.

The test is part of the capacity building and leadership qualities embarked upon by the army for its officers.

The four-day exercise for officers from the rank of Major and below took place at 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army Cantonment at Ikeja in Lagos State include: obstacles’ crossing, map reading, shooting competition, physical fitness and combat swimming.

The officers were drawn from the 9 Brigade, 35 Artillery Brigade, 45 Division Engineers and 81 Division Garrison of the Nigerian Army.

General Officer Commanding of 81 Division, Major-General Enobong Udoh, said at the flag off that the exercise was organised to improve the soldiers’ leadership traits, saying the Training was the critical element that builds and sustains professionalism as it equips the personnel with the skill and competence to perform tasks in all situations.

Udoh said it was obvious that their profession was full of risks that were difficult to circumvent and the only path to navigate the difficult paths was through continuous training, hence, training had a crucial role in the attainment of professionalism.

According to him, the competition was organised with the primary goal of improving the leadership traits of junior commanders, saying part of the goal was also aimed at sharpening their organisational abilitities and inculcating initiatives in the stipulated rank bracket of Lieutenant to Major.

Udoh who spoke through the 9Brigade Commander, Brigadier-General Moundhey Ali said it was only through proper realistic training and steadfast/ethical leadership that such officers could attain their full capabilities to be combat effective, saying the leadership roles played by Majors and below, shape the quality of command and control in every unit and formation.

Earlier, the Chief of Staff, 9 Brigade, Colonel Olusola Diya in his address of welcome, said the combat proficiency competition was aimed at improving leadership qualities of junior commanders.