By Tola Gbadamosi

Officers and men of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Saturday took part in the second quarter route march in Ipetu-Ijesha, a routine exercise aimed at maintaining peak physical and mental fitness among personnel.

The Commandant of the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Safety, Group Captain Abdulkadiri Bello, flagged off the eight-kilometre route march, which began at the NAF Base.

The route extended through Elefosa, past the Total Filling Station, to Ita-Merin, Ipetu-Ijesha Grammar School, and back to the base.

Group Captain Bello emphasised the importance of fitness among officers, stating that the aim of the exercise was to keep personnel in top physical and mental condition.

He noted that the route march would not only improve the health and agility of personnel but also enhance their ability to respond effectively to emergencies.

“A soldier who is not fit cannot perform effectively, especially during emergencies,” he said. “This activity is taking place simultaneously across the nation and is mandatory for all NAF officers and men.”

Bello reiterated that the objective of the route march was to enable personnel to perform their statutory roles more effectively.

He commended the participants for demonstrating a high level of physical fitness, stressing the importance of having ‘a sound mind in a sound body.’

The Commandant also encouraged officers to remain focused and professional in the discharge of their constitutional duties, asserting that the Nigerian Air Force would not allow any part of the country’s territory to be undermined.

“I urge you not to rest on your oars but to redouble your efforts towards achieving even more,” he stated.