As part of the integral part of military tradition, designed to maintain physical fitness, mental alertness and camaraderie among personnel, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has observed yet another Fourth Quarter Route March Exercise across the country.
Unfortunately the Fourth Quarter Route March Exercise is coming on the heels of a sad event that affected the Nigerian Air Force.
In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar noted that five personnel in line with showcasing Physical Fitness recently lost their lives in a fatal accident after they 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."
The CAS therefore encouraged 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, noting that the Nigerian Air Force NAF is deeply committed to their success.
The Air Chief also congratulated the NAF male volleyball team for topping the table in the Nigerian National Volleyball Division One League.
According to him 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”.
Stressing on the importance of route march, the CAS said it is designed as a Show of Force, to remind personnel of their 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.
"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”. he said
The Air Chief affirmed the Nigerian Air Force committement to improving the standard of sporting facilities and providing the enabling environment necessary to maintain physical and mental readiness.
SpyeTV News reports that Fourth Quarter Route March Exercise organized for NAF personnel is also took place across several NAF locations.
