By Editor
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar today led over one thousand officers, Airmen and Air women in a 10-kilometre 4th Quarter route march in Asokoro area, Abuja, urging personnel across the country to be vigilant and be ready at all times to confront insecurity.
Over 1,000 personnel participated in the quarterly route march organised by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
Air Marshal Abubakar, who flagged off the 10km route march at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Asokoro, said the aim of the exercise was to keep officers and men physically and mentally fit.
All the Generals including the CAS who participated in the walk, showed leadership by example and concluded the exercise to the finishing point.
According to Air Marshal Abubakar, route march is a military tradition practiced worldwide and aims at ensuring NAF officers, airmen and airwomen are physically fit in order to handle the rigours and stress associated with their daily tasks and responsibilities.
An officer, after the exercise, noted that the CAS participation in the exercise was a motivation for personnel.
The CAS noted he was highly delighted to have joined his colleagues to participate in the Fourth Quarter Route March Exercise.
“I am aware that the exercise is also taking place across several NAF locations this morning. This route march is not just a routine activity, but an integral part of our military tradition, designed to maintain physical fitness, mental alertness and camaraderie among personnel.
“From another perspective, it is also designed as a Show of Force, to remind everyone of our 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.
“Unfortunately, today’s route march is coming on the heels of a sad event that affected the Nigerian Air Force. In line with showcasing Physical Fitness, five of our personnel recently embarked on a journey from Yola to represent the country at the African Military Games 2024 holding in Abuja.
“Sadly, their journey was cut short by a fatal accident that left us in shock. The NAF will not forget these gallant athletes nor the families they left behind. May we at this juncture observe a minute’s silence for the souls of the bravely departed.
“Coming back to the success of this fourth quarter route march, the achievements of today’s exercise reinstate the need for all personnel to imbibe an attitude of keeping fit, if we are to keep pace with the demands of our 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. To this end, I commissioned and approved the use of sporting facilities here in NAF Base Asokoro for this very purpose.
“In the same vein, I have approved the construction of a modern Gym facility in SOC as well as directed the COA to determine the status of gyms in all NAF Units. This will provide the basis for the required interventions to keep NAF gyms fully functional for the benefit of personnel.
“In furtherance to engendering physical fitness of NAF personnel, I have directed the active participation of personnel in the weekly Wednesday games. Sporting activities across NAF Units during Wednesday games must be tailored to promote peaceful coexistence amongst personnel, their families and host communities as well as serve as talent discovery avenues for the NAF’s participation in Armed Forces Games. Wednesday Games and other NAF sporting activities should also provide a platform to positively engage the large youth population in our Bases.
“In this light, the COA should explore the possibility of organizing Inter Command Base Youth Competitions as a strategy to keep our wards busy and to expose hidden potentials.
“It is no news that the 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. I specifically recognize the performances of LCPL Adeyemi AP of 053 HQ NAF Camp and LCPL Abu GM of Nigerian Air Force Institute of Administration and Management, for being the fastest men in the 100m and 200m events respectively.
“To the other athletes who equally distinguished themselves during the competition, I say, “Well done and keep it up”. In the same vein, 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. The NAF is deeply committed to your success.
“To all other personnel, as we enter the final lap of the year, I urge you to stay vigilant and focused. Our work is far from done, and the security environment demands that we remain adaptive, ready and resilient. The Nigerian Air Force is committed to providing the resources and training necessary for you to succeed in all operations and assignments.” Air Marshal Abubakar said.