Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has reaffirmed the crucial role of military preparedness in ensuring national peace and stability.
He made the assertion on Monday during the official flag-off of the 2025 Warrant Officers (WOs) and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) Competition, held at the Headquarters of the 23 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in Yola.
Represented by his deputy, Professor Kaletapwa George Farauta, Governor Fintiri commended the Nigerian Army, particularly the 23 Brigade, for their steadfast commitment to safeguarding lives and maintaining order in the state. He emphasized that exercises like the WOs and SNCOs competition are essential tools for strengthening operational effectiveness.
“Military preparedness is not a ceremonial routine it is a strategic necessity. It underpins our collective security and prosperity,” the governor stated.
Describing the competition as a celebration of the Army’s core values—discipline, teamwork, endurance, and resilience Fintiri said these traits are critical in confronting Nigeria’s evolving security landscape.
In a message delivered on behalf of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General EF Oyinlola, the Commander of 23 Brigade, Brigadier General Amechi Agwu, stressed the importance of mission-focused training in today’s dynamic security environment.
“This is more than a contest of physical ability; it is a reaffirmation of our shared values professionalism, unity, and preparedness,” Agwu said.
The 2025 edition of the WOs and SNCOs Competition features a series of intensive military drills including combat swimming, map reading, weapon handling, obstacle crossing, and other exercises designed to boost tactical proficiency, leadership, and team cohesion among mid-level personnel.
According to observers, the event highlights the Nigerian Army’s ongoing commitment to building a force that is physically fit, mentally resilient, and strategically equipped to tackle both current and emerging security threats.