Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun have said peace and security remain fundamental catalysts for driving economic growth, attracting investment, and achieving sustainable development across Nigeria.
Abiodun stated this on Friday at the grand finale and closing ceremony of the Nigerian Army Small Arms Championship (NASAC) 2026, held at the 81 Division Range Ground in Ajilete, Owode, in Ogun.
Abiodun who was represented by the State Head of Service, Mr Olanrewaju Saka, commended the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, and the leadership of the Nigerian Army for selecting Ogun as the host for the prestigious national military tournament.
According to him, hosting the championship underscores Ogun’s strategic importance and its prevailing peaceful atmosphere, which aligns with his administration’s development agenda spanning infrastructure, agriculture, education, and social welfare.
”Military championships go beyond mere competition; they serve as critical platforms for enhancing marksmanship, precision, discipline, and overall weapon proficiency among military personnel.
”The skills acquired through exercises like NASAC are essential for safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and sustaining national peace,” Abiodun said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to supporting security agencies with logistics and operational collaboration to combat crime, protect lives, and secure property across the state.
Delivering the keynote address, the Chief of Army Staff, Shaibu, represented by the Chief of Transformation and Innovation (Army), Maj.-Gen. Olusegun Abai, emphasised that competitive military exercises are indispensable for evaluating the operational readiness of troops.
Shaibu noted that healthy rivalry extracts the highest potential from personnel to meet contemporary security threats.
”Life itself is built on competition, right from the very onset of creation, where sperm cells compete to fertilise an egg, with the ultimate essence of bringing out the best in humanity.
”NASAC 2026 was specifically designed to address modern security challenges by sharpening personnel’s proficiency in small arms handling, speed, target acquisition, and fire discipline,” the COAS stated.
NAN reports that the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army emerged as the overall winner in the competition, sweeping top honors and trophies across various shooting categories.
Army Headquarters (AHQ) Garrison secured second place, while 3 Division finished third. The Force Special Forces placed fourth, as 8 Division finished last on the scoreboard.
The event drew personnel from 10 distinct Nigerian Army formations, who tested their combat skills, endurance, and precision in competitive marksmanship exercises.
In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Adebayo Babalola, commended the high standards recorded during the tournament and attributed his division’s triumph to rigorous preparation.
”The standard this year is very high, with excellent results that reflect the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy of professional excellence.
”You can see our soldiers and officers demonstrating exceptional marksmanship. Effective training produces results, and that is what has manifested in 81 Division coming first and taking the trophies,” Babalola said.
He added that sustained training remains pivotal to enhancing the operational efficiency and tactical edge of troops in field operations.
Highlights of the ceremony include the presentation of trophies, certificates, and commendations to outstanding officers, soldiers, and participating formations. (NAN)
