Depot Nigerian Army Amasiri-Edda on Saturday staged a 5-kilometre inter-company race to assess the physical fitness, endurance and teamwork of recruits as part of efforts to prepare them for the rigours of military service.
The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Depot Nigerian Army Amasiri-Edda, Captain Sarah Seth Barka, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday.
The competition, held at the Depot’s Temporary Training Area parade ground, marked the first in a series of physical exercises designed to build the recruits’ stamina and resilience for military operations. Golf Training Company emerged overall winner after participants from various training companies battled through the demanding 5km course.
The race was flagged off by the Special Guest of Honour and Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army Zaria, Brigadier General Usman Ahmad, who was received by senior officers, instructors and personnel of Depot Nigerian Army Amasiri-Edda. The Commandant of the Depot, Brigadier General Ahmed Ahmadu, was represented by the Chief of Staff, Colonel Sadiq Ahmadu.
Speaking after the event, Brigadier General Ahmad described the race as a reflection of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to producing well-rounded soldiers through rigorous physical and mental training.
He stressed that physical fitness remains a cornerstone of military professionalism and urged the recruits to remain disciplined and committed throughout their training.
The senior officer also commended the Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army Amasiri-Edda for his leadership and mentorship, which he said had continued to inspire both recruits and personnel.
Congratulating the winners, Brigadier General Ahmad reminded the recruits that success was not determined solely by finishing first, noting that every participant had gained valuable experience from the exercise.
He encouraged those who did not secure top positions to see the outcome as motivation to improve in future competitions.
> “Setbacks are opportunities to do better,” he said, urging the recruits to remain focused and dedicated as they strive to become professional soldiers.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards and gifts to outstanding male and female recruits, as well as the best-performing training companies.
Beyond the competition, the exercise served as a practical assessment of the recruits’ stamina, preparedness and fighting spirit while reinforcing the teamwork, discipline and esprit de corps essential to effective military service.
