By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
The Defence Headquarters has reaffirmed its commitment to the physical fitness, health and operational readiness of military personnel following the successful completion of its second half route match for 2026.
The exercise, which brought together officers, soldiers and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marked the conclusion of the Defence Headquarters’ collective fitness activities for the year.
Speaking at the event, Major General Aniedi E. Edet, who represented the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, said the second half route match was organised in response to the positive reception and strong participation recorded during the first edition earlier in the year.
He explained that the initiative reflects the Chief of Defence Staff’s commitment to the welfare of officers and men, stressing that physical fitness remains a critical component of military discipline, professionalism and operational effectiveness.
According to him, a soldier who is not physically fit may struggle to perform assigned duties, potentially compromising the responsibilities of the Armed Forces to the nation.
He therefore urged personnel to make physical fitness a continuous priority, both individually and collectively, noting that good health is essential to fulfilling the constitutional responsibilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
In his remarks, the Director of Sports, Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Jilantikiri John Ijudigal, described the second half route match as an important fitness exercise designed to keep military personnel physically prepared.
He disclosed that although the event was the final collective sporting activity for the year, a more extensive programme of sporting activities would commence in January, with competitions and fitness exercises scheduled throughout the year.
Ijudigal also emphasised the importance of including NYSC members in the exercise, describing them as part of the Defence Headquarters family.
He assured personnel that the Sports Department would give its best in promoting sporting activities and sustaining a culture of physical fitness across the military community.
The second Defence Headquarters second half route match further underscores the military leadership’s resolve to make physical fitness an integral part of discipline, professionalism and the overall welfare of its personnel.
