By Milcah Tanimu
Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary was uniquely celebrated at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Kaduna State. Success Ayagwa, a 400-level student at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), marked the occasion by running 64 kilometers for the second consecutive year.
On October 1, Ayagwa completed the run in just five hours. He started at 5 AM and finished by 10 AM. Last year, he ran 63 kilometers to commemorate Nigeria’s independence.
After his run, Ayagwa expressed, “I wanted to demonstrate my love for my country and showcase my talent in long-distance running. It was tough running for five hours, but I knew perseverance would help me achieve it.”
His coach, Sergeant Wayo Emmanuel, noted Ayagwa’s strong performance in competitions. He revealed that Ayagwa placed 7th among runners at the Okpekpe Road Race in 2023. Wayo, the Chief Instructor at AFIT’s Office of the Director of Sports, believes Ayagwa can achieve even greater success.
Wing Commander Bassey Okon, the Director of Public Relations at AFIT, praised Ayagwa’s accomplishment. He called it a testament to the institution’s commitment to nurturing exceptional talent.
In related news, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered a speech to celebrate Nigeria at 64. He emphasized the vital role of young Nigerians in the nation’s development. He announced a 30-day National Youth Conference to discuss youth contributions to Nigeria’s future.
