A state-of-the-art gym and swimming pool were commissioned by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, at Headquarters 3 Division Nigerian Army. He said that the structure would support government attempts to provide the Nigerian Army’s members with high-quality sporting facilities (NA).
General Yahaya, who was represented by the Chief of Standard and Evaluation Army Maj-Gen S Muhammed, praised the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN for conceptualizing the project and ensuring its completion within his term in office as GOC, according to Lieutenant Colonel Ishaku Takwa, the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 3 Division.
To increase their ability to compete in sporting events, he ordered the staff to make sports a priority. He continued by saying that his decision to assist the enhancement of supporting activities in all Nigerian Army Barracks is based on the determination to turn athletic events into a fantastic source of joy and vigor for soldiers and members of their families.
He added that the facility is important for the staff’s health and fitness and for helping Nigerian Army troops practice for successful outings as they are preparing for combat competitions.
The GOC was also praised by the Chief of Army Staff for his inspiring leadership and the commendable accomplishments made possible during his tenure. He was also wished well as he assumed control of Operation Hadin Kai’s theater command.
In his welcome address earlier, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN greeted everyone in attendance, informed them that the Chief of Army Staff had set the foundation stone for the gym and pool, and thanked him for his ongoing support of 3 Division.
The gym, which has separate areas for men and women, is equipped with 6 treadmills with 7 horsepower, 6 electric exercise bikes, 2 multipurpose machines, 4 total crazy body massagers, a leg press, a hip abduction machine, and 2 sauna rooms, among other things, according to Lt Col AA Olatoye, deputy director of 3 Division Physical Training. While the pool, which has a shallow end that is 4 feet deep and a deep end that is 8 feet deep, has a water heater, underwater lights, and a pavilion that can seat 170 people.
The construction of the gymnasium, according to Brig Gen MO AGI, Commander of 3 Division Garrison, will not only boost the welfare of the troops but also increase their field-skills.
The tour of the facility, a swimming demonstration by Private Joy Ogbolu, the giving of presents, and group photos were the event’s highlights.