By KATO P. LADAN, Kaduna
Instructors at the Nigerian Military School (NMS) Zaria have been urged to always ensure boys from the school are physically fit.
Commandant of Depot Nigerian Army Zaria, Major General Victor O. Ezugwu gave the charge while speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony of the maiden edition of the NMS Sports Week on Saturday.
“I must therefore urge the instructors to always ensure that the Boys from NMS are physically fit to be able to effectively discharge their duties as soldiers upon their passing out from this great Institution,” he said.
Major General Ezugwu who said he was happy to witness the historic event, said that the NMS has over the years calved a niche for itself both within and outside the Military circles.
“The institution has become a national strategic asset that has been contributing to all facets of national and international manpower development.
“Ex-Boys of the school have severally proven themselves as worthy ambassadors of this great institution. I am proud to be identified with the incumbent Commandant Brig Gen MM Bunza’s giant strides to uplift the academic and military standards of NMS since his assumption of office.
“I am glad to note that training in NMS is deliberately designed to prepare the Boys to meet the challenges and responsibilities that await them upon graduation from the school,” he said.
The Depot Commandant said that expectedly, the academic and military subjects the Boys are exposed to are meant to strengthen and prepare them for both further academic studies and military duties.
“Similarly, physical fitness is a vital aspect of military training aimed at preparing a sound mind in a healthy body.
“The essence of sporting competitions such as this one in a training institution like NMS must be appreciated from the fact that it inculcates team work and sportsmanship spirit among the Boys.
“In addition, these sporting activities also enhance the physical fitness and mental alertness of the Boys,” he explained.
He appreciated the efforts of the school for organizing such high standard sporting competitions in this year’s sports week.
“The concept of sport week as I realized would not only ease the administration of the sporting competitions but also avail the school the opportunity to identify talents and further facilitate the training of the Boys,” he added.
Speaking further, he appreciated the efforts of the Commandant in upgrading the training facilities in the school.
“I am equally impressed with his transformational passion and drive.
“I must commend his efforts for the facelift he has given to this sport complex within a short time. I want to also appreciate the staff in the school for their continuous support at ensuring that the dreams of the founding fathers are maintained,” he asserted.
He challenged the participating Boys, to put in their best as the competition has just commenced.
“Robust Physical fitness especially now that military training has been re-instated, is a must for all of you Boys in the school,” he told them.
As the Cantonment Commander, he seized thelast opportunity to encourage all residents of the Cantonment to be more security conscious and obedient to constituted authorities.
“In addition, I want to enjoin all the staff, instructors and Boys of NMS to maintain the high investment in terms of infrastructure that the COAS Lt Gen TY Buratai has made in this Institution.
“These include renovation of Boys and Staff quarters, provision of water and teaching aids as well as vehicles
“To the invited guest and our families, I sincerely thank all of you for finding time to be here and wish the Commandant, staff and all the Boys a successful sport week. Thank you and God bless,” he concluded.
