The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has commissioned a state-of-the-art gymnasium and swimming pool at Headquarters 3 Division Nigerian Army in Jos, Plateau State, North-Central Nigeria.
The COAS said the edifice will complement the Federal Government’s efforts at providing qualitative sporting facilities for personnel of the Nigerian Army (NA), according to a statement by the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 3 Division, Major Ishaku Takwa.
General Yahaya, represented by the Chief of Standard and Evaluation Army Major General S. Muhammed, commended the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN Major General Ibrahim Ali for conceiving the project and ensuring its completion within his tenure in office as GOC.
He charged the personnel to make sporting activities a hobby to improve competitiveness in sports competitions, emphasising that his decision to support the improvement of sporting facilities in all Nigerian Army Barracks is premised on the resolve to make sporting activities a source of joy and energy to troops and their families.
He further said the facility is significant to the health and fitness of personnel as well as assisting troops in preparing for combat competitions to train for a successful outing.
The COAS further commended the GOC for his visionary leadership and laudable achievement attained during his tenure, wishing him success as he takes over as the Theatre Commander Operation HADIN KAI.
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Speaking earlier, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN disclosed that the Chief of Army Staff laid the first block on which the Gymnasium and Pool was built and appreciated him for his continuous support to 3 Division.
Also speaking during the briefing, the Deputy Director 3 Division physical Training Lieutenant Colonel AA Olatoye, said the gymnasium which has the male and female sections is equipped with 6 treadmills of 7 horse power, 6 electric exercise bikes, 2 multipurpose machines, 4 total crazy body massagers.
Highlights of the event was the tour of the facility, swimming demonstration by Private Joy Ogbolu, presentation of gifts and group photographs.
The facility also has a leg press, a hip abduction machine and 2 sauna rooms, amongst others. While the pool which is 4-feet deep at the shallow end and 8-feet deep at the deepest end, is equipped with a water heater, underwater lights, and it’s pavilion has a 170-spectator capacity.
The Commander 3 Division Garrison Brigadier General MO. Agi said the building of the gymnasium will not only improve troops welfare but also enhance competence in the field.
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