The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commissioned a multi-purpose fitness centre at its base in Yenagoa, as part of efforts to promote the physical fitness of its personnel. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who was represented by the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Mobility Command, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Steven Onuh, performed the commissioning. The representative of the CAS noted that the military is an institution, which undertakes a lot of physical activities and as such must be physically and mentally alert.
AVM Onuh expressed hope that the fitness centre would go a long way in boosting the morale of NAF personnel to achieve the desired level of preparedness to cope with the operational commitment of the NAF in the ever changing security environment. The AOC further stated that physical fitness is not only a prerequisite for operational preparedness but also a key determinant of the overall wellbeing of individuals. According to him, the NAF has embarked on massive promotion of physical and sporting activities by upgrading facilities and constructing well-equipped fitness centres across its bases in the country. He then reminded personnel of the responsibilities the security challenges in the country have imposed on the Armed Forces and therefore advised personnel to avail themselves of the advantage of the fitness centre.
In his remarks at the occasion, the Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) of Mobility Command, AVM Awoyoola expressed appreciation to the CAS for providing the befitting fitness centre. According to him, upon assuming office, the AOC Mobility Command embarked on the establishment of a mini sports ground for the personnel aside from other sporting initiatives to encourage participation of personnel in sports. He added that the newly commissioned fitness centre would thus further encourage personnel in the Command to participate in sporting activities. He also stated that the Command’s decision to name the fitness centre after the CAS was in appreciation of his dynamic leadership style and his constant efforts towards infrastructural development in NAF Base Yenagoa. The new gymnasium has ultra modern body fitness equipment and table tennis boards, in addition to other facilities.
