Hasan Abubakar, the Air Officer Commanding, Nigerian Air Force logistics command, says that regularly engaging in sporting activities will ensure fitness of its personnel for combat operations.

Mr Abubakar said this on Saturday at the force’s First Quarter Route March Exercise 2022, held at the Sam Ethan Base, Ikeja, Lagos.

According to him, “The aim of the exercise is to ensure the physical fitness as well as combat effectiveness of all NAF personnel and also  to ensure our readiness toward performing our constitutional roles.

“The importance of sports and physical fitness to military men cannot be overemphasized.

“As soldiers, it is important that we remain physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and psychologically fit to carry out our responsibilities as defenders of our nation’s territorial integrity.

“Mental and physical fitness are like the opposite sides of the same coin; one must be present for the other to thrive, that is why it is said that a healthy mind lives in a healthy body,” he said.

He further stated that “This is done through several activities like the march exercise, regular weekly games, intra- and-inter command sporting competitions as well as providing facilities such as gyms and swimming pools in our bases.” 

(NAN)