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 mandatory for all personnel.

Air Marshal Aneke announced the directive during the 2026 Second Quarter Route March Exercise organised for NAF personnel in Abuja.

Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshall Abubakar Abdullahi, the CAS described the exercise as a “reflection of the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering commitment to the wellbeing, wellness and fitness of its personnel”, noting that these qualities remain critical to building an effective, productive and combat-ready force.

According to him, the quarterly route march aligns with his Command Philosophy: “To enhance and sustain a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces for the realization of national security objectives.”

The CAS stressed that a healthy and physically fit workforce is better positioned to meet the demands of modern military operations and contribute meaningfully to the attainment of strategic objectives.

He commended the turnout and enthusiasm displayed by personnel during the exercise, saying it underscored the importance attached to maintaining sound physical and mental health.

“Beyond improving physical fitness, exercises such as this promote camaraderie, teamwork, esprit de corps and overall wellness among personnel,” he said.

“As we return to our various duties, I encourage all personnel to continue embracing healthy lifestyles and regular physical activities as part of their daily routine.

“Also, I have directed that all personnel must actively participate in the weekly Wednesday Games.”

Air Marshal Aneke emphasised that sporting activities across NAF bases are intended to promote peaceful coexistence among personnel and their families, while also serving as a platform for talent discovery ahead of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) Games.

He added that the activities help keep the large population within the bases positively engaged and away from vices that could distract them from their duties.

“As the saying goes, ‘A mind without purpose easily falls into distraction,'” he said. (The Nation)