By Gabriel Ameh
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has once again demonstrated its commitment to the physical fitness, well-being, and unity of its personnel with the successful conduct of the Year 2025 10km Walk/Jog Exercise across all NAF units nationwide today, 18 October 2025. The event brought together NAF personnel, their families, and participants from sister organisations in an atmosphere of camaraderie, motivation, and shared purpose. The Chairman, National Sports Council, Malam Shehu Diko, graced the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour for units in Abuja.
This was contained in a statement issued by Ehimen Ejodame Air Commodore Director of Public Relations and Information
Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force on 18th October 2025
Malam Diko congratulated all who took part in the event, commending their spirit of excellence and discipline which reflects the NAF’s enduring commitment to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, in his address, noted that the event was not only about winning medals but about fostering unity, teamwork, and wellness among personnel and their families. Quoting the philosopher Aristotle, he said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit,” stressing that consistent engagement in fitness and sports embodies the habit of excellence that defines the Nigerian Air Force.
The CAS reaffirmed that physical fitness remains an integral aspect of life in the Service and a key requirement for career progression. He emphasised that beyond promotion criteria, every officer and airman must view fitness as a personal responsibility and a foundation for operational readiness. He further noted that walking and other fitness activities contribute significantly to resilience, clarity, and efficiency, describing them as vital to building an agile and mission-ready force capable of meeting national security demands.
Highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance sports development across NAF formations, Air Marshal Abubakar announced the implementation of resolutions from the maiden Directorate of Sports and Physical Education Workshop, including the upgrading of sporting facilities across bases. He disclosed plans for the establishment of a Sports Control Board to coordinate sporting activities and an upcoming inspection tour to assess sports infrastructure nationwide. Commanders were also directed to strengthen participation in local sporting events to promote civil-military relations and enhance the NAF’s positive public image.
The CAS also commended the successful conduct of the Year 2025 Base Youth Sports Competition, describing it as a proactive initiative to productively engage young people and discourage social vices. He further congratulated the NAF Handball Team for winning the Nigeria Division One League and securing promotion to the Premier League, as well as the NAF Football Team for emerging champions at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Football Tournament in Abuja. In recognition of these achievements, he directed the design of welfare packages to reward outstanding teams and athletes, while urging all sportsmen and women to intensify preparations for the forthcoming NAF Inter-Command Sports Competition, which is being revived after a nine-year break.
Malam Shehu Diko and Air Marshal Abubakar, in their remarks, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his continued support to the Nigerian Air Force and sports development in Nigeria. Malam Diko also used the opportunity to applaud the NAF for its commitment to physical fitness, which he said is key towards maintaining operational efficiency. The exercise once again underscores the NAF’s unwavering resolve to maintain a fit, united, and operationally ready force. The event also featured the presentation of gifts to participants who distinguished themselves during the exercise.
