The Nigerian Army has initiated a ‘Short Talk’ competition for junior commanders and soldiers to improve interpersonal relations, particularly with the civil society.

Maj.-Gen. Musa Yusuf, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, said this at the opening of the exercise in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

Yusuf said that 70 junior commanders and soldiers drawn from formations and units under the division in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers would participate in the week-long exercise.

“The training exercise is organised by the division in order to boost junior commanders’ and soldiers’ capabilities in carrying out their duties both inside and outside the barracks.

“The exercise is intended to remind people of the essence of those things that the army is known for.

“How soldiers are expected to relate with themselves and the public and how they are supposed to relate while on duty and off duty.

“The reason we chose junior commanders and soldiers for this exercise is because most of the times they are usually our first line of contact with the outside world,” he said.

He said that the exercise entailed participants giving short presentations on regimentation, education, sanitation and hygiene, and other related subjects.

The GOC expressed optimism that the exercise would enable the personnel to improve on their knowledge and skills set in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.

According to him, the exercise was designed to achieve professionally responsive personnel in the division’s area of responsibility.