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Sports
By Johnson Eyiangho
Abuja, Sept. 29, 2016 (NAN) The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai says sport is important to the Nigerian Army personnel both in their combat and non-combat activities.
Buratai made the remark at a news conference to announce the 2016 Nigerian Army Sports Festival (NAFEST) in Abuja on Thursday.
The chief of army staff was represented by Maj.-Gen. John Malu, who is the acting Chairman of the Central Organising Committee for the festival.
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“On my assumption of office as Chief of Army Staff over a year ago, I immediately articulated my vision for the Nigerian Army, which is to have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional role.
“In actualising the cardinal points of this laudable vision, the Nigerian Army has several programmes and activities that are carried out from time to time under my direction.
“One of the major activities in this regard is the Nigerian Army Sports Festival, which is biennial organised event that is aimed at enhancing the physical fitness, as well as promote espirit de corps among the Nigerian army personnel.
“These ingredients are germane in achieving vision success both in combat and non-combat roles.’’
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Buratai also said that the festival would afford the army the opportunity to relate with the larger society for the promotion of sporting activities.
According to him, this year’s sports festival will witness a lot of games that would attract very important personalities and dignitaries from within and outside the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that representatives of more than 50 corporate bodies, who had indicated willingness to sponsor the tournament attended the briefing.
Buratai urged them to leverage on the opportunity of the festival to exchange ideas and foster areas of partnership, collaboration and cooperation for mutual benefit and promotion of the national interest and aspirations.
NAN also reports that the tournament, slated for between Oct. 6 and Oct. 15, would feature 19 events, including badminton, basketball, football, table tennis, tennis, squash, swimming, judo, and handball.
According to Brig.-Gen. O.U Obono, the Deputy Chairman of the Central Organising Committee, the tournament will draw participants from all divisions in the army with exception of personnel involved in the fight against insurgency.
Obono said the games would take place at the National Stadium, Abuja. (NAN)
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Edited by Emmanuel Yashim
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