By Desmond Ejibas
Port Harcourt – Rear Adm. Ibrahim Dewu, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command (ENC), Calabar, has urged naval personnel to keep fit for optimal performance in their duties.
Dewu gave the advice while inaugurating some renovated facilities at the Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder base in Port Harcourt.
The facilities are a multipurpose sports complex; hall for events and meetings and a memorial naval boat.
He said mental and physical fitness was a key factor during naval operations both on land and in the creeks of Niger Delta.
“We (navy personnel) must be physically fit at all times considering the security situation in the country.
“Our operations warrant that we are fit always, to enable us to expertly and efficiently deliver on our mandate.
“So, aside from the newly renovated boat and hall nicknamed ‘Rivers Hall,’ the multipurpose sports complex will be used to keep officers and men of NNS Pathfinder and ENC fit,” he said.
Dewu said the sports facility would also be used by personnel to train and prepare for the forthcoming Nigeria Navy Games in 2023.
According to him, the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) would continue to work hard to defend the trophy it won in the last edition of the games in August.
“So, ENC being the reigning champion of the games must utilise this sports complex to keep personnel fit, to enable them retain our trophy at the next competition.
“Also, as military personnel, we are supposed to be fit especially as our operation in the ENC is mostly inside the creeks.
“Therefore, sports play a vital role in keeping our personnel in shape to be able to do our job effectively,” he added.
The navy officer lauded the Commander of NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Suleiman Ibrahim for rehabilitating the sports complex, and called for maintenance of the facilities. (NAN)
