By Saminu Ibrahim
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has urged personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to maintain high levels of physical, mental and emotional fitness to effectively meet the demands of military service.
Oluyede gave the charge at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Chief of Defence Staff Independence Day Military Badminton Championship held to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Represented by the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral GJ Kachim, the CDS said fit and resilient personnel were essential to effective service delivery, particularly in the face of evolving security challenges.
He stressed that operational effectiveness goes beyond professional competence, noting that personnel must also be physically and mentally prepared to operate effectively in demanding environments.
According to him, sports play a significant role in building resilience, discipline, concentration, perseverance and teamwork, while strengthening camaraderie among personnel of the various Services.
He said the championship provided military athletes with an opportunity to compete in a healthy and disciplined environment, strengthen inter-Service relationships and promote sports as a tool for enhancing operational readiness, personal wellbeing and professional development.
The championship featured players from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force in a competition aimed at promoting healthy rivalry, talent development and greater interaction among personnel.
Earlier, the Director of Defence Sports, Air Vice Marshal Babatunde Philip, said the competition was designed to promote excellence, discipline and sportsmanship among military personnel.
Philip noted that badminton requires agility, concentration and precision, describing the qualities as important attributes for effective military service.
He also highlighted the contribution of military sports to national development, citing the Nigerian military archery team’s improvement from one medal last year to seven medals this year.
The Director commended the organising committee for successfully staging the championship in less than a month after the event was changed from basketball to badminton.
He described the feat as a demonstration of resilience, adaptability and professionalism.
The high point of the championship was the mixed doubles final, where Lance Corporal Kayode Oyeniro and Corporal Caroline Adaji of the Nigerian Army emerged champions.
Corporal Stephen Otu and Lance Corporal Tanko Nehemiah of the Nigerian Air Force finished as runners-up.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria also congratulated Nigerians on the 66th Independence Anniversary, reaffirming its commitment to the nation’s unity, resilience and collective pursuit of a better Nigeria.
