As part of its efforts in improving the physical fitness of its personnel, the Nigerian Air Force has held its Annual Walk exercise, covering 10 kilometres within its environs.

News Expresscorrespondent who monitored the walk on Saturday reports that, participants took off from Mogadishu Cantonment and turned back at the Niger Barracks to cover the distance in the rain.

In his speech shortly after the jogging, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sadique Abubakar emphasised on the need to gain sound mind and body through observation of physical exercise to withstand the challenges of modern times.

He said further that the Air Force would continue to be responsible to its duties as provided by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, adding that "we have continued to make progress in all areas of our endeavors. We are also on track with regards capacity building in training our officers and engineers for effective service."

"In no doubt, we are right on track as far as purchase of our airplanes and providing for the welfare of our personnel are concerned," he added.

He also identified that the Air Force was revving up its effort to ensure the Nigerian territory is secured, saying “back from where we are coming from, since 2014, we have made a great deal of progress.”

Sadique reassured however that the Force would continue to evaluate its operations and strategy from time to time with a view to establishing a strong and virile security across the country.

The Air Force chief promised the personnel that his leadership would continue to address the welfare, accommodation, medical needs, allowances and the school fees of the personnel's wards

Dr (Mrs) Esther Aluko, who represented the Minister of Sports, Mr Solomon Dalung, explained that sporting activities is part of day-to-day activities which must not, on no account, be shunned. “I am a grandmother of four and three children, and I still exercise my body, “she asserted.

She advised Nigerians, at all levels, to encourage sporting activity as it promotes wellbeing, mental balance of individuals who engage in it, and appealed to sister-agencies of government to support sporting “so as to promote civil relationship and keep our youths busy.”

•Photo shows Chief of Air Staff with tag 01 and his team during the walk exercise from the Mogadishu Cantonment to NIGER barracks. Photo: Mayowa Okekale