A Student of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna, Mr Ayagwa Fatar, on Tuesday displayed patriotism as he marked Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary with a 64km race.
Fatar, a final year student, who demonstrated his loyalty to Nigeria and commitment to the ideals of the nation has gone on a 64km run in commemoration of the anniversary.
Fatar said, “The intent of the race was to celebrate with Nigeria and hence he decided to go on the long distance run, with each kilometre covered representing one year of Nigeria’s existence since independence.\”
He stated that there was the need to encourage Nigerians to believe in themselves and the nation, adding that although the distance seemed impossible to cover within the five hours allotted to the event, he was able to achieve it.
Fatar added, ”The event was to prove that all things were possible if we put our minds to actualising them.”
He expressed appreciation to the AFIT Commandant, AVM Sani Rabe, for his outstanding leadership and support to the 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.
According to him, the admixture of military and civilian students in AFIT provides an opportunity for the students to imbibe that military trait of discipline and commitment.
”The students still enjoy their civil nature through functional interaction with each other,” Fatar said.
He urged the citizens to look inward on what they can do for their country and not always the other way round and tagged the race ‘A New Nigeria: Renewed Hope is Possible’.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fatar is a professional long distance runner.
NAN also reports that the race, which started at about 4:00 am from the Air Force Institute of Technology’s main gate ended by the AFIT Sports Complex by 9:00 am.
He was accompanied by a long distance instructor, Sgt. Wayo and fellow students on bicycles.
Ftaar was received at the sports complex by the students who had gathered to witness Fatar’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 students of the Institute. (NAN)
