By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has charged personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to maintain high standards of physical, mental and emotional fitness to enhance their effectiveness in military service.
General Oluyede gave the charge at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Chief of Defence Staff Independence Day Military Badminton Championship, organised as part of activities to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
According to an official statement signed by the Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the CDS, who was represented at the event by the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral GJ Kachim, said fit and resilient personnel were essential to effective service delivery, particularly amid evolving security challenges confronting the nation.
He stressed that operational effectiveness depended not only on professional competence, but also on the physical and mental preparedness of personnel to respond effectively to demanding operational environments.
The CDS noted that sports play a vital role in developing resilience, discipline, concentration, perseverance and teamwork, while strengthening camaraderie among personnel of the various Services.
According to him, participation in sporting activities helps personnel develop the endurance, mental alertness and team spirit required to perform effectively under pressure.
General Oluyede further said the championship provided military athletes with an avenue 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 of the Services.
Earlier, the Director of Defence Sports, Air Vice Marshal Babatunde Philip, said the competition was aimed at promoting excellence, discipline and sportsmanship among military personnel.
He noted that badminton requires agility, concentration and precision, describing the attributes as essential qualities for effective military service.
Air Vice Marshal Philip also highlighted the contribution of military sports to national development, citing the Nigerian military archery team, which increased 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, describing the achievement as a demonstration of resilience, adaptability and professionalism.
The 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.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in the statement, joined Nigerians in celebrating the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary, reaffirming the shared values of resilience, unity and commitment to a better Nigeria.
