The Nigerian Army, Armoured Corps Bauchi, under the Command of Major General Sani Ahmed, has said that the best way to serve the cause of peace and defend the territorial integrity of the nation is by being physically and psychologically fit to carry out responsibilities as defender of the country.
According to him, “For sound minds, we should have sound bodies and that is why the military world over attaches so much importance to the physical fitness exercises and bodybuilding culture.”
The Army General made the remarks at the 10 km Walk/Jog for NAF personnel of the Special Operations Command, Bauchi that took place during the weekend. He urged the officers not to wait for the Nigeria Air Force to organise physical fitness exercises and programmes before engaging in sports.
General Ahmed also urged the personnel to always create time to engage in activities that would build their strength such as cardiovascular endurance, agility, flexibility and coordination to ensure optimal performances of responsibilities.
The commander who was represented at the occasion by his Chief of Staff, Brig. Gen. Abubakar Haruna, further charged the NAF personnel to always ensure physical fitness through active participation in group exercises.
The General , who was the Guest of Honor at the occasion, observed that physical fitness can benefit personnel through boosting their productivity, help with stress and build teamwork in the entire Force.
On his part, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Special Operations Command, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Abubakar Abdulkadir said that the 10 kilometre Walk /Jog was designed by NAF to foster discipline regimentation and esprit de corp among service personnel.
The AOC who was represented by his Chief of Staff, AVM Enebong Effiong, explained that NAF places high premium on fitness and has the interest to see personnel represent the nation at national and international events.
He commended sister security agencies for attending the annual walk and jogging exercise in the NAF base, and enjoined the personnel to take care of their health as, according to him, it is cheaper to maintain a healthy body by participating in regular exercises.
AVM Offiong appreciated the AOC Special Command for organizing the walk and jogging exercise, saying this would strengthen the relationship among the sister agencies.
In the 10 km jogging, Brig. Gen. Fawole Olawale who represents the Commandant Nigerian Army Armoured Corps Centre and School, and Maj Gen. Wale Adekeye took first position among all the security and paramilitary agencies, and emerged third overall among all the participants respectively.
The NIGERIA STANDARD reports that highlights of the occasion were awards and prizes distributed to different categories of winners at the end of the successful and exciting exercise.
