The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Saturday, October 18, 2025, held its annual 10 km walk/jog exercise across all units nationwide to promote physical fitness, unity, and operational readiness among personnel.

The exercise, which featured NAF officers, their families, and participants from sister security agencies, showcased camaraderie and teamwork across the service.

The Chairman of the National Sports Council, Malam Shehu Diko, attended the Abuja edition as the Special Guest of Honour, commending participants for their discipline and resilience.

In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, said the event went beyond competition, describing it as “a celebration of unity, wellness, and shared purpose.” He added,

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”

Air Marshal Abubakar reaffirmed that physical fitness remains a core element of NAF’s operational efficiency. “It is not just a promotion requirement but a personal responsibility for every airman and officer,” he stated.

He also announced new measures to boost sports development within the Service, including the creation of a Sports Control Board and upgrades of sporting facilities across NAF bases.

The CAS directed commanders to encourage participation in local sporting events to strengthen civil-military relations.

Commending recent achievements, he praised the NAF Handball Team for its promotion to the Premier League and the NAF Football Team for winning the Nigeria Union of Journalists Football Tournament.

Air Marshal Abubakar expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support of the Nigerian Air Force and sports development nationwide.