*Commissions 9 Brigade sports complex

By Bashir Adefaka

 The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has commissioned a newly constructed Sports Complex at the 9 Brigade Nigerian Army Cantonment, Ikeja, while on a familiarization visit to 81 Division Area of Responsibility.  The Sports Complex, named after him, consists of 14 apparatus obstacle crossing, Basket Ball Court and a 120-seating capacity pavilion.  Other facilities constructed include Barrack Youth Office and a meeting hall.

The Physical Training Wing also co-located was re-structured to give it a face lift.   Before the commissioning of the project, the Commander, 9 Brigade, Brigadier General Bulama Biu, informed the COAS that 9 Brigade lacked basic sporting facilities to enable troops to train and keep fit.   The commander further stated that in order for the Brigade to key-in into the COAS vision which is “To Have A Professionally Responsive Nigerian Army in the Discharge of Its Constitutional Roles” and also to maintain the COAS drives towards physical fitness of troops, the Brigade decided to embark on the construction of the sports complex through self help efforts.  Biu used the occasion to present sport vest to the COAS to unveil the 9 Brigade slogan “Fit to Fight.”

Responding, Buratai  applauded the Commander, officers and men of the 9 Brigade and urged them to always pursue the track of professionalism while promising them of his support at all times, just as he thanked Biu  for his initiative and steadfastness to have put in place such standard training facilities to enable the personnel keep fit.