Unity, welfare takes centre stage at NAF Badagry’s 2025.base activities

The 653 NAF Station of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base in Badagry, Lagos State, on Saturday played host to the 2025 Base Socio-Cultural Activities, with unity and welfare taking center stage. The event, which brought together personnel and their families, showcased the NAF’s commitment to fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among its […]

The 653 NAF Station of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base in Badagry, Lagos State, on Saturday played host to the 2025 Base Socio-Cultural Activities, with unity and welfare taking center stage.

The event, which brought together personnel and their families, showcased the NAF’s commitment to fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among its members.

According to the Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Sule, the socio-cultural activities were designed to promote unity, esprit de corps, and welfare among personnel.

The AOC who was represented by the Command Regiment Officer, Air Commodore Elisha Bindul, explained that NAF greatest asset is it’s personnel, and that NAF is committed to ensuring that their well-being and happiness well taken care of.

Speaking at the event, AVM Sule explained that the initiative aligns with the vision of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, which he said, is to build a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power effects in synergy with surface forces for the realisation of national security objectives.

“I am convinced that the first driver to his vision, which is prioritizing personnel welfare and wellbeing for improved operational effectiveness is germane to the sustenance of the conduct of all NAF ops.”

“With the level of participation at this BASA, I have no doubt that NAF personnel in Badagry are willing, able and ready to give their utmost best towards the attainment of the Chief of the Air Staff Vision for the Nigerian Air Force.” He added.

Bindul noted that the level of participation and performances recorded during the event reflected a motivated and cohesive force, adding that the emphasis on welfare across NAF formations was critical to sustaining operational effectiveness, including efforts against terrorism and other forms of criminality.

“ I wish to enjoin every personnel of the Nigerian Air Force in Badagry to throw his weight behind this mandate especially the ongoing war against terrorism in any guise”

Earlier, the Commander, 653 NAF Station, Badagry, Group Captain Humphrey Medugu, highlighted key welfare and infrastructure improvements recorded under his leadership, despite initial challenges.

According to him, “When we assumed command, power supply and the quality of water supply were major challenges. Today, the story has changed, and the impact on personnel wellbeing is evident.”

“This is aptly in synchrony with the first key driver of the Chief of the Air Staff Vision for the Nigerian Air Force which is Prioritizing personnel welfare and wellbeing for improved operational efficiency”. He added.

Medugu noted issues relating to electricity, water supply, damaged sewage and other accommodation defects had been substantially addressed through strategic interventions and collaboration with higher headquarters and local stakeholders.

He stressed the link between welfare and operational performance, noting that “a motivated and comfortable force will always give its best in support of national security objectives.”

The commander acknowledged the support of Headquarters Logistics Command, Badagry West Local Council Development Area, the Nigerian Customs Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, 243 Recce Battalion, 15 Field Engineering Regiment, Naval Forward Operating Base and other partners for their supports to the base.

Highlights of the socio-cultural activities included a keenly contested tug of war among senior non-commissioned officers (SNCOs), as well as colourful cultural performances by the Egun, Yoruba and Hausa groups, which showcased Nigeria’s ethnic diversity.