… Operational Readiness in Yenagoa
Personnel of the Headquarters Central Naval Command on Saturday hit the streets of Yenagoa in a quarterly route march aimed at strengthening their physical fitness, mental alertness and teamwork for effective military operations.
The exercise, which lasted about two hours and 30 minutes, commenced from the parade ground of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH and took participants through Opolo Roundabout and Tombia Roundabout before returning to the naval base.
The route march drew the participation of senior officers, including the Commander of NNS SOROH, Commodore Christian Okokota, alongside ratings and other personnel of the command.
Addressing officers and men after the exercise, the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, expressed satisfaction with the impressive turnout and discipline displayed throughout the march.
Represented by the Command Administrative Officer, Commodore Humphrey Oriekezie, the FOC said the quarterly exercise remains an essential part of the Navy’s efforts to keep its personnel physically fit and mentally prepared for the demanding nature of military duties.
He explained that the route march is designed to build endurance, improve physical health and strengthen team spirit among officers and ratings.
According to him, these qualities are indispensable in military operations where personnel are often required to work together under challenging conditions.
“You need to be physically fit to carry out the responsibilities assigned to you. Team spirit is equally important because most military operations require collective effort, while endurance gives personnel the strength and resilience to accomplish difficult tasks,” he said.
He noted that although the route march focuses primarily on these three objectives, it also contributes to the overall well-being and operational effectiveness of naval personnel.
The FOC further encouraged officers and men not to rely solely on the quarterly exercise but to embrace regular personal fitness routines to maintain the physical strength and mental resilience required in the Armed Forces.
The Nigerian Navy conducts periodic route marches across its formations as part of efforts to promote combat readiness, discipline and healthy living among its personnel.
