By Ruth Dabo
In line with efforts to improve sporting standards across its formations, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has embarked on the upgrading and construction of modern sports facilities aimed at enhancing the physical fitness and overall wellbeing of its personnel. The initiative was highlighted during the 2025 NAF 10KM Walk/Jog Exercise held in Abuja, which brought together officers, airmen, airwomen, their families, and personnel from sister security agencies.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to maintaining a culture of fitness and discipline, describing physical readiness as a core requirement for operational efficiency. He congratulated all participants for their enthusiasm and resilience, noting that every individual who took part was a winner, regardless of who finished first.
Quoting Aristotle, the Air Chief said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit,” adding that the spirit displayed by participants reflects the discipline and excellence that define the Nigerian Air Force. He emphasized that the true reward of such exercises lies not in medals or applause but in the health, camaraderie, and vitality that come from collective participation.
Air Marshal Abubakar explained that the 10KM Walk/Jog Exercise forms part of the NAF’s annual fitness programme designed to ensure that personnel remain physically and mentally prepared to meet the demands of service. He reiterated that fitness assessments remain mandatory for career progression in the Service, urging officers and airmen to take physical training seriously as a personal responsibility for health and mission readiness.
He further revealed that following resolutions from the maiden Directorate of Sports and Physical Education Workshop, the Service had approved several key initiatives, including the establishment of a Sports Control Board, upgrading of facilities in all NAF units, and enhanced participation in local sporting events to promote civil-military relations. The Chief of Administration, he said, would soon embark on an assessment tour of existing sports facilities across NAF bases and schools to ensure the effective execution of these plans.
The Air Chief commended Base Commanders for the successful conduct of the 2025 Base Youth Sports Competition, which he described as a proactive effort to engage young people productively and protect them from social vices. He also urged athletes to intensify preparations ahead of the forthcoming NAF Inter-Command Sports Competition, which is being revived after a nine-year break.
In recognition of outstanding achievements, Air Marshal Abubakar congratulated the NAF Handball Team for winning the Nigeria Division One League in Abia State and securing promotion to the Premier League, as well as the NAF Football Team for emerging champions at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Football Tournament in Abuja. He assured that welfare packages would be provided to reward the victorious teams.
While appreciating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering support to the Armed Forces, the Air Chief commended the Chief of Administration, Commander 053 HQ NAF Camp, personnel of sister security agencies, and the organizing committee for the successful conduct of the event. He concluded by reminding participants that “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” stressing that each stride taken contributes to building a stronger, healthier, and more united Air Force.
In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, praised the NAF for its visionary leadership under Air Marshal Abubakar, particularly for repositioning sports and physical fitness as vital components of the Service’s culture. He lauded the upgrading of facilities, the revival of the Inter-Command Sports Competition, and the introduction of youth-focused programmes across NAF bases.
Mallam Dikko noted that the Service’s recent sports victories — including the handball and football team triumphs — reflect not only sporting excellence but also the leadership’s commitment to the holistic development of personnel in body, mind, and spirit.
“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,” he said. “Fitness is the foundation of readiness, and today’s exercise is a strategic investment in the health and performance of our nation’s defenders.”
He added that the NAF’s commitment to sports aligns with the national agenda of using sports as a tool for unity, productivity, and youth empowerment. “What I see here today is a community moving together — united, strong, and forward-looking,” he stated, expressing confidence that under the current leadership, the NAF will continue to soar higher in operational effectiveness, sports development, and service to the nation.
The 2025 NAF 10KM Walk/Jog Exercise concluded with medal presentations and group photographs, symbolizing the Service’s enduring commitment to fitness, teamwork, and national unity.
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