Six weeks ago, the Headquarters (HQ), 2 Division Nigerian (NA), commenced EXERCISE SHINING STAR 6, which was inaugurated on Friday, 9 August 2024, by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division NA, Major General Obinna Onubogu. The inauguration ceremony which took place at Major General JM Inienger Sports Complex, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan, was to officially introduce students of the training course to what they would expect during the training period. It further revealed the level of commitment required of them in order to adapt to training demands, and the anticipated end results in theatres of operations.
The GOC 2 Div, used the forum to motivate and encourage the students, telling them to use the training opportunity in building the needed capacity required to impact positively on their individual lives and contribute meaningfully to the NA and the nation at large.
Following the successful completion of the training period, 433 students were graduated on 6 September, 2024, at Major General OF Azinta Shooting Range, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the GOC 2 Division NA, who was the Special Guest of Honour (SGoH), congratulated the students for successfully going through the rigorous training packages. He said the training was in keeping with the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, NAM, in the area of training and motivation. He added that the training was designed to improve their professional skills and capacity to perform optimally in all assigned military tasks. “I have been following up on your training activities over the past six weeks. I was also being briefed regularly by your training officer. It is therefore impressive to note that your compliance to the training requirements, as well as the rules and regulations guiding the school, is very commendable. I am indeed confident, that with the quality of training you have all received during the period, you have become better soldiers, who always, will be ready to discharge military duties in the most professional manner.”
“You must remain focused, disciplined, and be good ambassadors of the NA”, General Onubogu said. He urged the graduands, to adhere strictly to the NA policy on the use of Social Media (SM); saying they should avoid taking official pictures of themselves and their colleagues, or indulging in other unprofessional conducts in the SM space, which could be detrimental to the image and reputation of the NA. He also admonished the soldiers to desist from gambling, drug abuse, and other vices capable of destroying their careers.
The GOC, commended the Division Training Officer (DTO), Colonel Mfon Akpan, and his training crew for a good job done. He charged the DTO, to commence proactive plans towards training more soldiers in line with the COAS Command Philosophy, which seeks ” To Transform the NA into a Well – trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving Our Constitutional Responsibilities Within a Joint Environment .” He further expressed gratitude to the COAS, for the support given to the Division during the period, while assuring continuous training of troops to meet international best practices.
While delivering his welcome address, Colonel Akpan, stated that the exercise was designed to develop troops’ professional competence, with the aim of equipping them to undertake all assigned tasks within 2 Division Area of Responsibility (AOR) and beyond. He said that troops were taught and guided on several endurance mechanisms as well as tactical approaches to battle circumstances which could result to successes in NA operations.
He added that the objectives of the training were achieved, while appreciating the GOC 2 Div, for providing all the needed resources that led to a successful training. He further thanked the GOC, for his unrelenting guidance and directives throughout the period of the training; expressing his deep confidence on the troops to deliver positive results in the field.
The closing ceremony was well attended by commanders and staff officers of the Division. A total of 3 officers and 430 soldiers were graduated during the event.
Highpoints of the event, were the falling plate firing competition amongst the graduating students, presentation of awards to the best student in academics, best firer as well as the most disciplined student.
POLYCARP OKOYE
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Deputy Director
Army Public Relations
2 Division Nigerian Army
7 September 2024