Major General Oluremi Fadairo, General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, has urged soldiers to maintain discipline and professionalism in their duties. He gave the charge on Monday at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State during the unveiling of the Inter-Brigade Corporal and Below Competition 2026. Fadairo, represented by Brigadier General S. A. Jimoh, Chief of Staff, 82 Division, described the competition as a strategic effort to develop junior leaders for greater roles in the army. He said the event supports the doctrine of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, which emphasizes professional excellence, operational readiness, and exemplary leadership.
Fadairo stated that the competition aligns with his vision for 82 Division to improve operational capabilities through high professional standards and resilience in joint operations. He added that the exercises are designed to enhance skills, discipline, confidence, and teamwork among troops. The GOC emphasized the need for focus and unity amid ongoing security challenges in the division's area of operation. Brigadier General Ahmad Dikko, Commander of 14 Brigade, called the event a "significant milestone" in the army's training calendar. He disclosed the competition will run from 20 to 24 April 2026, testing soldiers in drill, weapon handling, day and night shooting, physical fitness, map reading, field craft, and tactics.
Dikko said the event strengthens leadership and professional competence among young soldiers. Participating units include 13 Brigade, 34 Artillery Brigade, 82 Division Garrison, 44 Engineer Brigade, 54 Signal Brigade, and 2 Women Battalion. The opening ceremony featured the swearing-in of formations and umpires, followed by a drill competition.
Major General Oluremi Fadairo demands professionalism from soldiers even as the competition he champions will not take place until April 2026, leaving a gap of over a year before any tangible test of his vision begins. Brigadier General Ahmad Dikko calls the event a "significant milestone," yet it occurs only once every two years, raising questions about the frequency and consistency of such critical training. The delay between the launch and the actual event suggests that the army's push for excellence is more ceremonial than immediate. Nigerian soldiers are expected to remain focused amid security challenges, but the timeline implies their development is on a long waiting list.
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