According to him, since his assumption of office as the Chief of Army Staff, he has reflected on the myriads of security issues bedeviling the nation and the need to enhance Nigerian Army capacity to combat the challenges.

 

 “As we all know, physical fitness is one of the key areas of capacity building in any army, hence I considered it imperative to ensure the promotion of physical fitness of all Nigerian Army personnel.

 

 “This informed the careful articulation

of my command philosophy which is: to transform the Nigerian Army into well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force to achieve constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.

 

He emphasised that there was no gainsaying that the current operating environment was volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous.

 

 ” As such, we have to enhance capacity for efficient employment of all hands to achieve desired results through group training.

 

“We are therefore stepping up all aspects of our combat readiness in line with best practices to effectively confront

contemporary adversaries. 

 

 He explained that  enhancing the physical endurance and  operational readiness of troops will be accorded due priority across board.

 

 

“I therefore expect that this championship, involving boxing, wrestling and combat swimming, will go a long way in boosting our confidence, warrior ethos and survivability techniques, ” he said.

 

 

 

The COAS  appreciate President  Bola Tinubu for his strategic direction and unflinching support to the Nigerian Army.

 

 

Lagbaja  urged  the competitors to make the best use of the championship to display high level of fitness and the spirit of comradeship.