By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Chief of the Air staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has said that physical and mental fitness of personnel is a critical component of the operational readiness of the military.
Abubakar said this at the rd Quarter 2024 Route March of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Saturday in Abuja.
He said the route march was not just a routine activity, but an integral part of military tradition, designed to maintain physical fitness, mental alertness and camaraderie among personnel.
He added that the exercise was also designed as a Show of Force, to remind everyone of their readiness as a military force.
“As such, the Exercise we just undertook is a demonstration of the dedication, resilience and discipline that define the Nigerian Air Force.
“It is a reminder of the importance of physical and mental readiness in our line of duty.
“Our fitness is a critical component of our operational effectiveness, and as we face the evolving security challenges of our nation, we must continuously sharpen our readiness for the task ahead,” he said.
The CAS expressed sadness over the death of five personnel of the NAF in a road crash on a journey from Yola to represent the country at the African Military Games 2024 holding in Abuja.
He said the achievements of the route March reinstated the need for all personnel to imbibe an attitude of keeping fit to keep pace with the demands of their jobs.
“This is in line with one of the key enablers of my Command Philosophy, which is “Deliberate training and mission-oriented force development”.
“We therefore remain committed to improving the standard of sporting facilities and providing the enabling environment necessary to maintain our physical and mental readiness,” he added.
The air chief said he had approved the construction of a modern Gym facility in SOC as well as directed that the status of gyms in all NAF Units determined to provide the basis for the required interventions for the benefit of personnel.
He expressed the commitment of the NAF to physical fitness of personnel through active participation in Wednesday sporting activities across units.
According to him, NAF has continued to contribute its quota to Sports development in the country.
“May I use this medium to congratulate the NAF male volleyball team for topping the table in the Nigerian National Volleyball Division One League.
“This performance has facilitated the team’s promotion to the Premier League. Talking of achievements, permit me to also acknowledge the performance of the NAF team at the just concluded Armed Forces Games (AFG) in Kaduna.
“Let me encourage all those who have been selected to participate in the forthcoming Africa Military Games in Abuja to put behind the tragic incident of the week and distinguish themselves during the competition,” he added. (NAN)