From Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has expressed optimism that the Directorate of Army Physical Training Officers Conference 2020 would provide requisite support to the Nigerian Army, for combat efficiency in furtherance of its operations and exercises as well as excellence in sports.
He said this in his remarks as the Special Guest of Honour at the Directorate of Army Physical Training Officers Conference 2020 held at the Ogundeko Hall, Nigerian Military School, Zaria on Tuesday November 3.
According to him – “the training Conference therefore should assist the Physical Training Corps of the Nigerian Army to take its pride of place in providing requisite support to the Nigerian Army, for combat efficiency and excellence in sports,” he said.
Chief of Army Staff, who was represented by Corps Commander Infantry, Major General Stevenson Olugbenga Olabanji said that said that his vision is to ensure that the Nigerian Army is professional, law abiding and physically and mentally sound at all times.
“You will recall that upon my assumption of office in July 2015, my vision for the Nigerian Army was and still remains to ensure that the Nigerian Army becomes professionally responsive in the discharge of its constitutional roles.
“Consequently, operational, administrative and logistics strategies were evolved to refocus on the fight against insurgency and other security threats nationwide,” he said.
Buratai said that also worthy of mention, was the need for the NA to return to the heights it occupied in sports excellence.
“Sequel to these, I have devoted a lot of resources for infrastructural and human capacity development, in addition to the training of our sportsmen and women for participation in various national and international sports and military games/sporting activities.
“I have followed events in the Physical Training Corps in the last one year. I have observed the diligence with which the personnel of this Corps have carried out the onerous task of keeping the NA fit for combat efficiency”.
“I am also not unmindful of the recent achievements of our sportsmen in various sporting events, as outlined by the Director Physical Training in his welcome address. Consequently, the twin issues of fitness training and drive for sports excellence have led to mark achievements both by the NA and the individual sportsmen,” he said.
Gen. Buratai further said that the selection of the theme for this year’s confernce is – “Repositioning the Nigerian Army Physical Training Corps through Elective Training and Sports Excellence” is therefore apt. This has reinforced the age long belief that training is at the heart of professionalism.
“While the NA under my watch, is thus improving welfare and general administration of all NA personnel, the provision of welfare through training has also remained one of my major priorities.
“It was in view of the foregoing, that I feel obliged, to be part of the efforts by the Physical Training Corps to review its present state, in relation to the existing fitness and combat challenges in the NA; with the aim to reposition itself,” he pointed out.
He said that he is convinced, that the erudite resource persons and the limitless experience of core professionals in the gathering, will enrich the knowledge base at this conference.
“I sincerely look forward to you harmonising your presentations, deliberations and brainstorming sessions, to evolve strategies and tactical level efforts that would satisfy the purpose of the DOTC 2020.
“It is only then, that the aim and objectives of this PT Officers
Training Conference would have been achieved. The outcome of this,” he emphasized.
He expressed gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR for his continued and invaluable support to the NA in the discharge of its constitutional roles.
“Therefore, I wish to pledge the commitment and unalloyed loyalty of officers and soldiers of the NA to the President and the defence of our democracy and territorial integrity of our country”, he further stated.
Buratai used the opportunity to commiserate with the Zazzau Emirate Council and the good people of Zaria, on the passíng away of His Royal Highness, the Einir of Zaria, Alhaji Dr Shehu Idris CFR.
“This is in addition to thanking you for the excellent spirit of hospitality, which has seen this great city play host to the Directorate of Army Physical Training and òther NA establishments,” he said.
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