…as CAS charges personnel on sustained physical readiness
By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has once again reaffirmed its enduring tradition of promoting fitness, unity, and operational excellence with the successful conduct of its 2025 Annual 10km Walk/Jog Exercise held concurrently across all its units nationwide on Saturday, 18 October 2025.
The event, which forms part of the Service’s comprehensive programme to enhance the health, morale, and combat readiness of its personnel, brought together officers, airmen, airwomen, their families, and participants from sister security agencies in a vibrant display of camaraderie, motivation, and shared purpose. From Abuja to the remotest formations, the atmosphere was charged with energy and enthusiasm as participants moved in unison, symbolising the Air Force’s collective strength, discipline, and unyielding spirit of togetherness.
In Abuja, the exercise was graced by the Chairman of the National Sports Council, Malam Shehu Diko, who served as Special Guest of Honour, while the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) led participants from various formations in a lively display of energy and teamwork that underscored the Service’s dedication to fitness, wellness, and unity.
Addressing participants after the exercise, the Chief of the Air Staff expressed delight at the successful conduct of the event, describing it as a reflection of the discipline, excellence, and esprit de corps that define the Nigerian Air Force. “It gives me great pleasure to be in your midst today for this significant fitness event, bringing together Nigerian Air Force personnel, our children, and our friends from sister organisations here in Abuja,” he began. “Let me begin by congratulating every participant for successfully completing the 10km walk and jog. To those who distinguished themselves in various categories, I say well done and keep it up. However, whether or not you won a medal, know that you are all winners.”
Quoting the philosopher Aristotle, the CAS remarked that, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” He noted that participation in such fitness events reflects the Air Force’s habit of excellence, discipline, and unity. According to him, “Beyond the medals and applause, the true reward lies in the fitness, well-being, and happiness that come from consistent participation in sports. Sports, indeed, go beyond physical exercise, it strengthens bonds and builds community. Victory today is not about who finished first, but about the shared joy, camaraderie, and vitality that come from moving together towards a common goal.”
The Air Chief described the fitness programme as an integral part of life in the Nigerian Air Force, designed to ensure that personnel remain physically and mentally prepared for the demands of service. He emphasized that physical fitness assessments are mandatory for career progression, urging personnel to take it seriously, not merely as a requirement for promotion but as a personal responsibility for health and operational readiness. Quoting Hippocrates, he added, “Walking is man’s best medicine. Each step you take in exercises like this brings you closer to resilience, clarity, and excellence.”
The CAS further revealed that the Nigerian Air Force had approved the implementation of key resolutions reached at the maiden Directorate of Sports and Physical Education Workshop, which include the construction and upgrading of sporting facilities in all NAF units. “The Chief of Administration will soon embark on an assessment tour of existing sports facilities across NAF bases and schools to ensure these plans are effectively executed. Additionally, a Sports Control Board will be established to coordinate and drive sports development across the Service,” he disclosed. He also directed Air Officers Commanding and Unit Commanders to strengthen participation in local sporting events within their Areas of Responsibility to promote civil-military relations and project a positive image of the NAF.
The Air Chief commended Base Commanders for the successful conduct of the Year 2025 Base Youth Sports Competition during the long vacation, describing it as part of the Service’s deliberate effort to engage youths productively and shield them from social vices. “As the saying goes, an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. We will sustain this laudable programme during every long vacation to nurture discipline, teamwork, and excellence among our youths,” he said.
He equally encouraged NAF athletes to intensify preparations ahead of the forthcoming Inter-Command Sports Competition, which is being revived after a nine-year hiatus. According to him, “This event will not only improve fitness and combat readiness but also strengthen teamwork, discipline, and the sense of belonging that sports naturally foster. I have no doubt it will be a memorable and inspiring competition.”
While congratulating the NAF Handball Team for winning the Nigeria Division One League in Abia State and gaining promotion to the Premier League in August 2025, the CAS also applauded the NAF Football Team for emerging overall champions among 12 participating organisations at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Football Tournament held in Abuja last month. “These achievements speak volumes about our commitment, discipline, and teamwork. I assure you that your hard work will not go unnoticed,” he said, adding that welfare packages have been approved to reward the outstanding teams.
The Air Chief expressed profound gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Air Force. “His commitment continues to empower us to achieve greater operational effectiveness and professional excellence,” he affirmed. He also thanked the Chief of Administration, the Commander 053 HQ NAF Camp, personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, members of the press, and the entire organising committee for the successful conduct of this year’s exercise.
“As we conclude today’s event,” the CAS added, “remember that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Today’s 10km Walk/Jog exercise may seem small, but each stride brings us closer to a stronger, healthier, and more united Nigerian Air Force.”
In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, Malam Shehu Diko, commended the Nigerian Air Force for its exemplary commitment to fitness and sports development. He lauded the CAS for his visionary leadership and renewed drive to reposition sports and physical fitness as a vital component of Air Force culture. “Under his watch, we have witnessed remarkable strides, from the upgrading of sporting facilities across Nigerian Air Force bases to the reactivation of the Inter-Command Sports Competition after nine years and the successful conduct of youth programmes that keep our young people positively engaged,” Diko noted.
According to him, the initiatives being implemented by the Air Force do not only promote fitness but also unity, discipline, and a sense of belonging essential for every modern fighting force. He pointed out that the recent victories of the NAF Handball and Football teams were clear demonstrations of the Service’s excellence, teamwork, and leadership commitment to the holistic development of personnel.
He further stated that, “Today’s exercise reminds us of the timeless truth that fitness is the foundation of readiness. A strong Air Force is not built on aircraft and weapons alone but on men and women who are physically and mentally prepared for every mission. Initiatives such as this 10-kilometre walk and jog exercise are not just ceremonial but strategic investments in the health and performance of our nation’s defenders.”
The Chairman of the National Sports Council also commended the NAF for reflecting the broader national agenda that promotes sports as a tool for national unity, productivity, and youth empowerment. “The National Sports Commission is particularly encouraged by the Nigerian Air Force example in demonstrating how sports can be both a unifying force and a channel for our national development,” he added.
He urged officers, airmen, and their families to sustain the culture of fitness and teamwork, saying, “Sports and fitness are not just seasonal activities; they are lifelong habits that enhance our quality of life, sharpen our minds, and build our resilience. As the saying goes, if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together. What I see here today is a community moving together, united, strong, and forward-looking.”
Malam Diko expressed gratitude to the Chief of the Air Staff for the honour of being the Special Guest of Honour and for his leadership commitment to the welfare and total well-being of NAF personnel. “I am confident that under this leadership, the NAF will continue to soar higher in operational effectiveness, sports development, and service to the nation,” he said.
The event climaxed with the presentation of trophies to winners in various categories, as well as the official presentation of the Handball and Football trophies to the Chief of the Air Staff. It ended with group photographs involving dignitaries, invited guests, and jubilant participants, a fitting conclusion to a day that celebrated fitness, unity, and the indomitable spirit of the Nigerian Air Force.
