By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has urged personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to maintain high standards of physical, mental and emotional fitness to effectively meet the demands of military service.
General Oluyede gave the charge at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Chief of Defence Staff Independence Day Military Badminton Championship, organised to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
He was represented by the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral GJ Kachim.
The CDS said fit and resilient personnel remain essential to effective service delivery, particularly amid evolving security challenges confronting the nation. He stressed that operational effectiveness depends not only on professional competence, but also on the physical and mental preparedness of personnel to respond to demanding operational environments.
He noted that sports play an important role in developing resilience, discipline, concentration, perseverance and teamwork, while also strengthening camaraderie among personnel of the various Services.
According to him, participation in sporting activities helps personnel develop endurance, mental alertness and team spirit required to perform effectively under pressure.
General Oluyede added that the championship provided an avenue for military athletes to compete in a healthy and disciplined environment, build stronger inter-Service relationships and promote sports as a means of enhancing operational readiness, personal wellbeing and professional development.
The championship featured players from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force, providing a platform for healthy competition, talent development and greater interaction among personnel.
Earlier, the Director of Defence Sports, Air Vice Marshal Babatunde Philip, said the competition was aimed at promoting excellence, discipline and sportsmanship.
He noted that badminton requires agility, concentration and precision, which are attributes essential to effective military service.
Air Vice Marshal Philip also highlighted the contribution of military sports to national development, citing the Nigerian military archery team, which improved its medal haul from one medal last year to seven medals this year.
He commended the organising committee for successfully delivering the championship in less than a month following the change of the event from basketball to badminton. He described the achievement as a demonstration of resilience, adaptability and professionalism.
High point of the event was the mixed doubles final, where Lance Corporal Kayode Oyeniro and Corporal Caroline Adaji of the Nigerian Army emerged champions, while Corporal Stephen Otu and Lance Corporal Tanko Nehemiah of the Nigerian Air Force finished as runners-up.
