Authorities of the Nigerian Army have warned its officers and men against taking enhancement supplements or drugs to improve their physical performance.
The chief of personnel management (Army), Maj.-Gen. Adewale Adekeye, gave the warning during the opening of the Nigerian Army Warrant Officers to Master Warrant Officers promotion exercise 2025 at the 2 Division, Nigerian Army Cantonment, Ibadan, on Friday.
The chief of personnel management said that the promotion wasn’t a do-or-die affair, and advised the officers not to engage in any unwholesome practice which could endanger their lives.
Mr Adekeye stated that taking enhancement supplements and drugs could endanger the lives of persons who use them.
He advised participants in the promotion exercise with any form of medical challenge to inform the medical screening committee for prompt attention.
According to him, their lives were precious to the Nigerian Army and, more importantly, to their families.
“I urge you to have confidence in the system as represented by the board members, that justice will be done, such that only those proven qualified and seen to be qualified will be promoted.
“I am confident that all the participants have put in personal efforts to prepare adequately for this exercise and I look forward to seeing warrant officers display the highest standard of discipline expected of their calibre,” he said.
Mr Adekeye further urged them to shun cheating in any form, warning that attempts to induce anyone to gain favour during or after the promotion exercise would jeopardise their chances and result in automatic disqualification.
He urged the board members to be objective, diligent and ensure the highest standard of professionalism in the discharge of their task.
Mr Adekeye said the responsibilities of a Master Warrant Officer were enormous and the board has a rare privilege of selecting the future master warrant officers who would perfectly fit into the responsibilities.
He said that the participants would undergo a compulsory medical examination to ascertain their mental and physical fitness to qualify them for the rigorous activities outlined for the promotion exercise.
The chief of personnel management itemised other activities for the promotion to include weapon handling, drill, current affairs and general service knowledge.
Mr Adekeye said that about 490 warrant officers from different formations and units of the Nigerian Army had so far been documented for the promotion exercise, adding that more were still coming.
In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede for finding the division worthy to host the promotion exercise.
Mr Nnebeife informed the participants that they would undergo a rigorous but fair selection process lasting two to three weeks within the cantonment and urged them to put in their best to be promoted to the Master Officer rank.
He said that the board would test their various abilities, technical skills and experience acquired over the years in the face of the evolving security challenges, as well as leadership and mentorship qualities.
(NAN)