By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says fitness assessments are mandatory for career progression in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
Abubakar stated this on Saturday in Abuja during the 2025 edition of the NAF 10km Walk/Jog Exercise, held to promote health, morale and operational readiness among personnel.
He said the exercise was part of the Service’s scheduled annual fitness programme designed to keep airmen and airwomen physically and mentally prepared for the demands of military service.
“It is worth emphasising that fitness assessments are mandatory for career progression in the NAF.
“Let us take physical fitness seriously, not merely as a requirement for promotion but as a personal responsibility for our health and readiness,” he said.
The CAS said NAF was upgrading sporting facilities across its formations following resolutions from the maiden Directorate of Sports and Physical Education Workshop.
He disclosed plans to establish a Sports Control Board to drive sports development across NAF units.
Abubakar also directed commanders to encourage participation in local sporting events to promote civil-military relations and project a positive image of the NAF.
He commended the NAF Handball Team for winning the Nigeria Division One League and gaining promotion to the Premier League, as well as the football team for emerging champions at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Football Tournament in Abuja.
The Air Chief reaffirmed his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support to the NAF, adding that the Service remained committed to excellence, teamwork and national defence.
The Chairman National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, commended the NAF for making physical fitness a core part of its operational culture, describing sports as a vital pillar of national strength and unity.
Dikko praised the personnel for their enthusiasm and endurance, saying their participation demonstrated the finest values of the Service “Willing, Able and Ready.”
He said the initiative, championed by the CAS, reflects visionary leadership that recognises fitness as central to military readiness.
“Under his watch, we have witnessed remarkable strides — from the upgrading of sporting facilities across NAF bases to the revival of the Inter-Command Sports Competition after nine years and youth programmes that keep young people positively engaged,” he said.
The NSC boss said the recent victories of the NAF Handball Team, which earned promotion to the Premier League, and the NAF Football Team, which won the Nigeria Union of Journalists Football Tournament, describing the achievements as “proof of excellence, teamwork, and total development of personnel in body, mind and spirit.”
He said sports and fitness were not just ceremonial activities but strategic investments in the health, morale and performance of the nation’s defenders.
“NSC is encouraged by the NAF’s example in showing how sports can unite communities, drive productivity, and advance national development.
“Every step you take for fitness strengthens not just your body, but your service and your country,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exercise featured a 10-kilometer jog by personnel below 40 years of age and 10-kilometer walk by those above 40.
Winners in male and female categories who clinched 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions were awarded prizes for their performances. ((NAN)