By Desmond Ejibas
Port Harcourt – The Nigeria Navy has ended its 25 kilometre route match involving hundreds of troops aimed to assess the physical fitness and endurance of personnel in Rivers.
Commodore Suleiman Ibrahim, the Command, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, Port Harcourt told newsmen at the end of the exercise on Saturday.
He said the route match was organised quarterly across navy formations and units across the country to improve personnel proficiency while carrying out their assigned duties.
“Aside organising the route match to keep personnel fit for the challenges ahead, it also provides us the opportunity to relate with our civilian public.
“The Nigerian Navy takes seriously the proficiency and fitness of personnel to ensure that we achieve our mandate.
“It is in our best interest to improve our fitness because a sound body facilitates a very sound mind,” he said.
Ibrahim said the naval base was planning to hold the next phase of the exercise in Bayelsa in the third quarter of the year.
“The next route match will see troops march from Port Harcourt to Bayelsa and back to Port Harcourt.
“Going by the response we have received so far shows that personnel are ready and willing to participate in the route match.
“The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo is passionate and committed to improving the welfare and proficiency of troops, hence this physical training,” he added.
The navy officer said the commitment displayed by Gambo had resulted in reduction in crude oil theft in the country.
According to him, the reduction has resulted in increased revenue of the Federal Government. (NAN)
