Nigerian Air Force Promotes Fitness, Team Spirit with Annual 10km Walk/Jog
By Lawrence Bilal Audu
In a bid to ensure peak physical fitness and mental alertness among its personnel, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Saturday organized the 2023 Annual 10km Walk/Jog event in Abuja and across various units nationwide.
After the invigorating exercise in Abuja, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), praised the participants for their impressive level of fitness. He emphasized the critical role of the Armed Forces in safeguarding lives and property, highlighting that physical fitness and mental alertness are indispensable for achieving this mission.
The CAS underscored the broader objectives of the 10km Walk/Jog event, explaining that it also promotes harmony among personnel and their families and serves as a talent-scouting opportunity for the upcoming 2024 Armed Forces Games.
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Air Marshal Abubakar stressed the significance of regular exercise in maintaining fitness, noting its essential role in preparing military personnel for the demanding nature of their roles.
He stated, “Whether deployed in an operating theatre or handling routine tasks, we are expected to maintain a high level of physical and mental readiness. Our skills and competence, as airmen and airwomen, are closely linked to our physical, mental, and intellectual well-being, all of which are vital for our overall objectives.”
Moreover, the CAS acknowledged the prevailing security challenges facing the nation. He assured that the NAF, in collaboration with other security agencies, is determined to minimize criminal activities and restrict the freedom of movement for criminals.
Air Marshal Abubakar disclosed that the NAF has witnessed a significant enhancement of its capabilities due to the commitment of the Federal Government. Recent acquisitions, including two DA-62 surveillance aircraft and two T-129 ATAK helicopters, will soon be inducted into the NAF’s inventory. He further assured Nigerians of the NAF’s unwavering commitment to addressing the nation’s security challenges.
In a celebratory note, Air Marshal Abubakar congratulated the NAF volleyball male and female teams, both of whom recently earned promotions to the elite Division One and Premier League, respectively, in the Nigerian National Volleyball League. He highlighted the exceptional performances of two Air Craft Women, Bulus Faith and Abba A, who excelled as the best spiker and best server in the Nigerian National Volleyball League Division One.
The CAS also commended NAF personnel participating in the World Military Wrestling Game in Azerbaijan 2023, the NAF Football Team in the Nigerian National League, and the Female Basketball Team, which qualified to represent the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the World Military Games. He emphasized that these accomplishments signify the commitment of NAF personnel to excel in sporting activities and underscore the NAF’s dedication to creating a supportive environment for sports across its various bases.