Writing By Ismai’l Adamu, Editing By Godwin Duru
Former President, Muhammadu Buhari, has attributed his physical fitness to the rigorous training he underwent while serving in the Nigerian military.
He stated this when he received members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Katsina State when they paid him a visit at his country home in Daura.
He lamented that most of his classmates, friends and colleagues are battling with various health challenges due to ageing while many others have died.
“I thank God, I am still alive and physically fit, I think my physical fitness is largely a result of the rigorous training I received while in the military.
“I could recall, during the civil war I walked on foot from Benue all the way to the end of Nigeria, there was no other way because all the bridges had been blown off by the Biafran forces.
“They had access to explosives from the Enugu coal mines while the Nigerian military did not have those resources, therefore they blew off every conceivable bridge from River Niger to the end of the country’s borders to the south.
“We had to trek very long distances, we went through a lot and we did our best for the country, now we are back home resting.
“Most of my classmates are struggling with health challenges, many others have died, but here we are, still healthy and receiving guests and well wishers who come to congratulate us”, the former President said.
Earlier, the chairman of the Katsina Correspondents’ Chapel, Yusuf Ibrahim Jargaba, who led the delegation said they were in Daura to congratulate the former President for doing his best for the country.
“We came here to pay homage to you and rekindle our long standing relationship with you, some of our colleagues have associated with you for decades and we are proud that you had another opportunity to serve this country.
“Even during and after the 2015 presidential election, before you were declared winner, some of us were here with you in Daura, and we are grateful that Nigerians gave you that opportunity”, Jargaba said.
He congratulated the former President for the leadership he provided for the country during the eight years he served as President.
Isma’il Adamu
