A final-year Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) student, Mr Ayagwa Success Fatar, has completed a 64-km run in commemoration of Nigeria at the 64th-anniversary celebration.
According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations, AFIT Wing Commander Bassey Okon, Ayagwa said the race was undertaken to celebrate with Nigeria. Hence, he decided to go on the long-distance run, with each kilometre covered representing one year of Nigeria’s existence since independence.
He said Nigerians needed to be encouraged to believe in themselves and the nation. He added that although the distance seemed impossible to cover within the 5 hours allotted to the event, he could achieve it.
He added that the event was to prove that all things are possible if we put our minds to actualising them.
Ayagwa expressed appreciation to the AFIT Commandant, AVM SL Rabe, for his outstanding leadership and support to students.
He asserted that the continuous success of AFIT students in national competitions could be attributed to the guidance and leadership of the current Commandant.
Ayagwa said the admixture of military and civilian students in AFIT allows students to imbibe that military trait of discipline and commitment while still enjoying their civil nature through functional interaction with each other.
He urged citizens to look inward at what they can do for their country and not always the other way around, and he tagged the race “A New Nigeria: Renewed Hope Is Possible.” Ayagwa, a professional long-distance runner, displayed patriotism and commitment to his dear country by marking the 64th National Independence Day in grand style with the 64km race.
According to the statement, the race started at about 4:00 am from the Air Force Institute of Technology main gate and ended at the AFIT sports complex by 9:00 am.
A long-distance instructor, Sergeant Wayo, and fellow students on bicycles accompanied him.
He was received at the sports complex by students who gathered to witness the student’s show of loyalty to his country.
He advised other students to emulate such gestures and devotion to the country as patriotic citizens and worthy Air Force Institute of Technology students.
