In furtherance of its commitment to uphold a high standard of physical fitness and mental acuity to ensure operational readiness and effectiveness, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully conducted the 2023 Annual 10-kilometer Walk/Jog event for its personnel stationed in Abuja and various units across the nation.
Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, reported that following the conclusion of the exercise in Abuja, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, expressed his appreciation for the participants, recognizing their exceptional physical fitness levels. The CAS underscored the indispensable role that the Armed Forces play in safeguarding the lives and property of citizens, emphasizing that such a mission cannot be achieved without both physical fitness and mental alertness. Additionally, the CAS elucidated that events such as the 10-kilometer Walk/Jog are instrumental in fostering harmonious coexistence among personnel and their families, while simultaneously serving as a platform for the identification of promising talents for the forthcoming 2024 Armed Forces Games.
Highlighting the paramount importance of regular physical exercise for the maintenance of fitness, the CAS expounded that it is an imperative for military personnel, as it equips them to meet the rigorous demands of their roles. The CAS asserted, “Whether stationed in an operational theater or engaged in routine duties, we are required to maintain a constant state of high physical and mental readiness. As airmen and airwomen, the success of the NAF is inherently connected to our proficiency and competence, both of which are inexorably linked to our physical, mental, and intellectual well-being—attributes that are pivotal to achieving our overarching objectives.”
Furthermore, Air Marshal Abubakar reminded the personnel of the prevailing security challenges confronting the nation, emphasizing that the NAF, in collaboration with other security agencies, is unwavering in its commitment to minimizing all forms of criminal activities and curbing the freedom of movement of criminal elements to the barest minimum. The CAS disclosed that, thanks to the unwavering support of the Federal Government, the NAF has undergone a comprehensive modernization and bolstering of its Order of Battle. He recalled that, only two weeks prior, the Service took delivery of two additional DA-62 surveillance aircraft, and just two days ago, received two T-129 ATAK helicopters, which are slated for induction into the NAF’s inventory. Air Marshal Abubakar assured the audience that, with the advent of these additional platforms and others anticipated in the near future, coupled with the renewed zeal of the NAF under his leadership, the Nigerian populace can rest assured of the NAF’s steadfast dedication to the eradication of the myriad security challenges facing the nation.
During the event, the CAS also took the opportunity to felicitate the NAF’s male and female volleyball teams, which recently achieved promotion to the elite Division One and Premiere League, respectively, in the Nigerian National Volleyball League. He particularly commended the outstanding performances of two Air Craft Women, Bulus Faith and Abba A, who excelled as the best spiker and best server, respectively, during the Nigerian National Volleyball League Division One. The CAS further lauded NAF personnel selected to participate in the 2023 World Military Wrestling Game in Azerbaijan, the NAF Football Team competing in the Nigerian National League, and the Female Basketball Team that earned the privilege of representing the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the World Military Games. He commented, “These endeavors serve as a testament to the unwavering dedication of our personnel to excel in sports while upholding the pride of the NAF. They also underscore our commitment to providing a conducive environment for the flourishing of sporting activities at our various bases.”
