Wednesday Games Made Compulsory For All NAF Personnel, Says CAS

According to Ireporter Online, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has directed that participation in the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) weekly Wednesday Games is now compulsory for all personnel.

Air Marshal Aneke gave the directive during the 2026 Second Quarter Route March Exercise held for NAF personnel in Abuja. He was represented at the event by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdullahi.

Describing the exercise as a reflection of the Air Force’s commitment to the welfare, wellness, and physical fitness of its personnel, the CAS said such attributes remain essential in building a disciplined, efficient, and combat-ready force.

He noted that the quarterly route march aligns with his command philosophy, which focuses on sustaining a highly motivated and mission-ready force capable of delivering effective airpower in coordination with other services to achieve national security objectives.

Air Marshal Aneke stressed that maintaining a healthy and physically fit workforce is crucial to meeting the demands of modern military operations and enhancing overall productivity within the service.

He commended the large turnout and enthusiasm displayed by personnel during the exercise, saying it demonstrated their commitment to physical fitness and mental wellbeing.

According to him, beyond improving physical health, such activities foster teamwork, unity, esprit de corps, and general wellness among personnel.

He further urged officers and airmen to adopt consistent healthy lifestyles and integrate regular physical exercise into their daily routines.

The Air Chief also reiterated that all personnel must actively take part in the weekly Wednesday Games, emphasizing its importance to the overall effectiveness of the force.

Air Marshal Aneke explained that sporting activities across NAF bases are designed to promote harmony among personnel and their families, while also providing opportunities for talent identification ahead of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Games.

He added that such engagements help keep personnel constructively occupied and reduce exposure to distractions and unproductive behaviours within military communities.

“As the saying goes, a mind without purpose easily falls into distraction,” he said.