MAIDEN GOC 82 DIV SPORTS COMPETITION: ARMY PLEDGES RUBOST RELATIONS WITH CIVIL POPULACE
REPORTER:CHRISTIAN NWANGENE
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Nigerian Army Enugu, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, has stressed the need for the development of grassroots sports in the country, saying it will assist in channeling energies of youths into productive venture and foster national peace.
According to Gen. Lagbaja, sports remains a veritable tool for unity across the globe, emphasizing that the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army has over the years maintained a robust cordial relationship with its host Communities.
The GOC, who made the remark during the finales of the inaugural GOC and Chairperson of Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) 82 Division football competitions for male and female football teams held at the Abakpa Cantonment football pitch, Enugu, explained that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s commitment to the affairs of the Division was a manifestation of the cordial relationship existing between the state government and the military.
According to the Army General, the competition is part of their civil-military responsibility as a way of synergizing the barracks and its environs, stressing that the competition is also geared towards development of talentes from the grassroots that can improve the local league in the country.
In a short remark, the special guest of honour and Governor of Enugu State, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, commended the GOC for putting up such a programme to engage the youth, assuring that the state government would not relent in supporting the military at all times.
Gov. Ugwuanyi, pointed out that Enugu State enjoyed support and goodwill of the military, especially the Nigerian Army.
The competition, which kicked off on December 14th, 2021, had 8 teams that were placed in two groups.
Group A had Dragon FC, Strikers FC, Rhapsody FC, Great Achievers FC, while Group B had Baby Dragons 103 FC, Noble, Hammers FC, Kizobi FC.
At the end of the regulation 90 minutes time, Dragon FC (Abakpa Cartonment) were crowned overall champion of the 2021 edition followed by Noble Achievers.
For emerging Champions in the tournament, the Abakpa based team were rewarded with cash prize, gold trophy, medals, and also carted away all individual awards both in the male and female categories.
The Chairman, Enugu State House of Assembly Committee on Sports Development, Mr. Chinedu Otaka, and representatives of heads of other security agencies were among dignitaries that witnessed the event.