Northern Pulse

The Commandant, Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), AVM Adeniran Ademuwagun, has described physical fitness as a critical component of combat readiness and effective service delivery in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

Ademuwagun stated this on Saturday in Kaduna while addressing officers, airmen and airwomen who participated in the NAF Third Quarter Route March Exercise.

He commended the participants for their energy, determination and commitment throughout the exercise, saying their performance demonstrated their personal and collective commitment to fitness and operational readiness.

“As we all know, our fitness is an extension of our combat readiness.

“The demands of our duties require us to be physically robust, mentally alert and always ready to respond at short notice,” he said.

The commandant stressed that fitness should be continuous and not limited to periodic exercises.

“Ladies and gentlemen, our fitness is not optional. Our fitness should not be intermittent. Our fitness must be continuous,” he said.

According to him, the exercise aligns with one of the key drivers of the Chief of the Air Staff, which is prioritising personnel welfare and well-being for improved operational readiness.

He said physical fitness remained an asset to personnel both in the theatre of operation and at home, adding that participation in the exercise demonstrated support for the vision of the Chief of the Air Staff.

Ademuwagun also highlighted the military significance of route marches, describing them as a demonstration of military strength and a show of force.

“A route march signals to our adversaries that we are mobile, organised and ready for deployment.

“It also reassures the civil populace that the Nigerian Air Force is vigilant, able, capable and ready,” he said.

He added that beyond the physical benefits, route marches helped to build camaraderie, teamwork and resilience among personnel.

The commandant said the encouragement participants offered one another during the exercise demonstrated the essence of esprit de corps within the service.

He further said regular physical fitness contributed to sound health, improved decision-making, reduced illness and enhanced productivity in both office and operational environments.

“A sound body houses a sound mind. A fit airman serves better and serves every time.

“Therefore, let us sustain this standard and make fitness a daily habit, not just a quarterly activity,” he said.

Ademuwagun congratulated the officers, airmen and airwomen for the successful completion of the exercise and urged them to remain committed to building a stronger, fitter and more resilient NAF.

He also appreciated the Health Command in Air Training Command, commanders and commandants, organisers, medical personnel and other personnel who worked behind the scenes to ensure the success and safety of the exercise.

He expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Air Staff for providing an enabling environment for personnel to function effectively and contribute to the service.