Abuja: The Commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), AVM Adeniran Ademuwagun, has emphasized the importance of physical fitness as a vital element for combat readiness and effective service delivery within the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). His remarks were made during the NAF Third Quarter Route March Exercise held on Saturday in Kaduna, where he addressed participating officers, airmen, and airwomen.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ademuwagun praised the participants for their energy, determination, and commitment throughout the exercise. He noted that their performance illustrated their personal and collective dedication to maintaining fitness and operational readiness. Highlighting the connection between fitness and combat readiness, he stated, “The demands of our duties require us to be physically robust, mentally alert, and always ready to respond at short notice.”
The commandant underscored the necessity for continuous fitness rather than limiting it to periodic exercises, stating,
“Our fitness is not optional. Our fitness should not be intermittent. Our fitness must be continuous.” He further explained that the exercise aligns with the Chief of the Air Staff’s priority of enhancing personnel welfare and well-being to improve operational readiness.
Ademuwagun also highlighted the military significance of route marches, describing them as a demonstration of military strength and a show of force. He added, “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.”
Beyond physical benefits, the route marches foster camaraderie, teamwork, and resilience among personnel. Ademuwagun noted that the encouragement participants offered each other during the exercise showcased the essence of esprit de corps within the service. He emphasized that regular physical fitness contributes to sound health, improved decision-making, reduced illness, and enhanced
productivity in both office and operational environments.
Concluding his address, Ademuwagun congratulated the officers, airmen, and airwomen for the successful completion of the exercise and urged them to maintain their commitment to building a stronger, fitter, and more resilient NAF. He expressed gratitude to the Health Command in Air Training Command, commanders, commandants, organisers, medical personnel, and other individuals who ensured the success and safety of the exercise. Ademuwagun also appreciated the Chief of the Air Staff for providing an enabling environment for personnel to function effectively and contribute to the service.