The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has charged personnel of the Nigerian Army to involve in regular participation in a sound physical fitness programme and maintenance of healthy weight which is to enhance soldiers quality of life, improve productivity and bring about positive physical and mental changes.
Lt General Faruk Yahaya gave the charge at the maiden edition of the Nigerian Army Combat Sports Couching and Officiaiting Clinic with the theme " Capacity Building of Nigerian Army Coaches and Officials towards improved performance of Nigerian Army Sportmen in Combat Sport" in Abuja.
The Army Chief who was Special Guest of Honour was ably represented by the Deputy Chief of Training, Major General MA Etsu-Ndagi stressed that Physical fitness is an essential requirement not only for optimal health, but also because it makes the soldiers battle ready.
He said, the coach and the athlete interaction is unique with the goal to bring about successful performance outcomes and satisfaction in every games, hence, coach-athlete relationship is important to both groups’ performance and both must evaluate the other to enhance performance.
General Yahaya also encouraged Nigerian Army soldiers and officers to train more in various sporting activities in order to participate in highest level of military athletic competition, which often includes Olympians and World Champions.
He praised the Directorate Army Physical training team members which include soldiers and officers of the department for showing resilience and determination as well as demonstrating the typical conquering spirit and tenacity of the average military sport men.
He also tasked the players and their coaches to remain focused and take this maiden edition of Nigerian Army Combat Sports Couching and Officiaiting Clinic as a step to brighter future.
Speaking to journalists, the Chief of Transformation and Innovation, Maj.Gen. Zakari Abubakar said Nigerian Armed Forces personnel are required to be physically fit to meet certain military operational requirements. These include ability to perform under a wide range of geographical and environmental conditions as well as coping with the stress of sustained operations.
Acting Director, Civil Military Affairs, Army Headquarters, Brig.-Gen. Hillary Mabeokwu, said this at the closing of the maiden Nigerian Army Combined Combat Sports Coaching and Officiating Clinic on Friday in Abuja.
Mabeokwu, who spoke on behalf of the Chief of Civil Military Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, said that combat sports was one of the training activities aimed at enhancing the physical and mental alertness of troops.
He said the training was in line with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, “to have a professional Nigerian army ready to accomplish assigned missions within a joint environment in defence of Nigeia”.
In his word, the Acting Director of Army Physical Training, Brigadier General Fawole thanked the army Chief for supporting the initiative, saying a soldier’s level of physical fitness has direct impact on combat readiness.
"The many battles in which Nigerian troops have fought underscores the important role physical fitness plays on the battle field, it is of particular importance to Armed Forces all over the world, not only because of its benefits, thus, physical fitness training forms an important part of the Nigerian Armed Forcesphysical education programme.
The maiden edition of the Nigerian Army Combat Sports Couching and Officiaiting Clinic was organised by the Directorate Army Physical Training, with Sports like Boxing, Wrestling, Judo, Karate and Taekwondo.
