The Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong, has commended the selfless sacrifices of the Nigerian Army (NA) in the discharge of their constitutional roles to the nation.
He gave the commendation on Monday 23 May 2022, while declaring the Nigerian Army Small Arms Championship (NASAC) 2022 open at the 3 Division Small Arms Shooting Range in Miango, Jos, Plateau State.
Governor Lalong, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony of the championship, noted that personnel of the NA have over time, demonstrated the requisite skills and competencies necessary to enhance the nation’s security.
In a statement issued by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Governor pointed out that the Nigerian Army has been professional in addressing cases of insecurity, where lives and property were threatened.
According to Governor Lalong, the shooting competition will present a veritable avenue for the participants to discover their hidden potentials, as well as sharpen their shooting skills, which he maintained are essential to enhance ongoing operations of the Nigerian Army.
He, therefore, enjoined the participants to leverage on opportunities provided by the Championship to perfect the impressive work the NA is doing across the country while expressing appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, for finding Plateau state worthy of hosting one of the significant events of the Nigerian Army.
The General Officer Commanding 3 Division, who is also the Commander, Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali, appreciated the COAS for approving the upgrading of the 3 Division Small Arms Shooting Range, Miango
He added that the Championship would assist in improving troops’ proficiency in weapon handling. Gen Ali also disclosed that the exercise is in furtherance of the actualization of COAS’ vision for the Army.
The GOC expressed gratitude to the people and Government of Plateau State for their untiring support to 3 Division, adding, that the Miango range will remain a permanent venue for NA Small Arms Championship in the future.
Presenting a souvenir to the Special Guest of Honour, the COAS Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, represented by the Commander Training and Doctrine Command, Major General Stevenson Olabanji, urged the participants to exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the week-long event.
He extolled the people of Plateau state for their hospitality.
Present at the event were the Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Prof. Sonni Tyoden, members of Plateau State Executive, Legislative Councils, senior officers both serving and retired, heads of security agencies and Royal fathers, among others.
PIAK
