Maintaining physical, mental, and emotional fitness is crucial for the operational effectiveness of Nigeria's armed forces, General Olufemi Oluyode, the Chief of Defence Staff, has stressed. The nation's complex security environment demands personnel who are not only combat-ready but also resilient, disciplined, and capable of addressing security challenges with focus and determination.
The Chief of Defence Staff made this emphasis at the closing ceremony of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Armed Forces Inter-Service Archery Competition 2026, where he noted that the competition is apt and crucial for addressing security threats through non-kinetic means. The event, which brought together around 60 participants from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, showcased exceptional skills, resilience, and sportsmanship.
Represented by Rear Admiral Semiu Adekpegba, the Director of Defence Administration, General Oluyode stated that effective service can only be assured when personnel are fit physically, mentally, and emotionally. He highlighted that events of this nature are organised to enhance marksmanship and instil values of integrity, precision, intensity, innovation, and excellence, while also improving service delivery.
The competition serves to select Nigeria's armed forces team for the forthcoming national and international archery events, with participants demonstrating extraordinary skill, whether hitting the bull's-eye or striving to surpass previous records.
The Chief of Defence Staff's emphasis on physical, mental, and emotional fitness is a stark reminder of the enormous demands and responsibilities faced by Nigeria's armed forces. General Oluyode's call for personnel to remain fit is particularly relevant given the country's complex security environment. The success of the archery competition, which showcased exceptional skills and sportsmanship, is a testament to the resilience and discipline of Nigeria's armed forces personnel. However, the reality is that many Nigerians continue to face insecurity and uncertainty, with the country's security challenges far from being addressed. The fact that the competition is seen as a means of addressing security threats through non-kinetic means highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing Nigeria's security challenges.
