Ibadan - Maj.-Gen. Abdul-Rahaman Dambazau, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, has advised soldiers to seek professional competence to earn respect for the army.

According to him, professionalism and strict adherence to constitutional roles of the army will “earn us the respect of both the local and international communities”.

The GOC, who was represented by Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Bassey, Commanding Officer, 32 Artillery Brigade, Abeokuta, spoke in Ibadan while declaring open the Nigerian Army 2008 Inter-Brigade Competition.

Dambazau said that the greatest welfare that could be given to a soldier was good training for effective and efficient performance of his duties.

“This competition is, therefore, aimed at training the Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers not only to be competent in their responsibilities but to also face the challenges of modern warfare.

“The competition will also test your proficiency in weapon handling, map reading, drill, combat, swimming and your physical fitness,” the GOC said.

According to him, the competition will also afford the competitors, the opportunity to interact and display some level of initiative, organisational ability and discipline.

He expressed the hope that the successful conduct of the competition would re-affirm the drive for professionalism and place the soldiers in a better footing towards higher responsibilities.

“I, therefore, urge you to put in your best as you compete among yourselves and to display good spirit of sportsmanship throughout the competition”, Dambazau said.