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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to personnel welfare, unity and operational readiness as officers, airmen, their families and sister security agencies gathered at the 653 NAF Station, Badagry, for the 2025 Base Socio-Cultural Activities (BASA).
The annual event brought together senior military officers, traditional rulers and veterans, featuring vibrant cultural displays, inter-agency participation and a review of key welfare and infrastructure improvements underscoring growing civil-military harmony in the Badagry axis.
Representing the Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Sule, the Command Regiment Officer, Air Commodore Elisha Bindul, described BASA as a vital platform for strengthening team spirit and celebrating Nigeria’s cultural diversity.
He said the initiative aligns with the vision of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to build a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power in synergy with surface forces.
“Prioritising personnel welfare and wellbeing is fundamental to improved operational effectiveness. With the level of participation recorded here, I am confident that NAF personnel in Badagry remain willing, able and ready to deliver on the CAS vision,” Bindul said.
He added that the strong turnout and performances at the event reflected a motivated and cohesive force, noting that sustained welfare reforms across NAF formations were critical to ongoing operations against terrorism and other security threats.
Earlier, the Commander of 653 NAF Station, Badagry, Group Captain Humphrey Medugu, highlighted major welfare and infrastructure gains recorded under his leadership.
“When we assumed command, power and water supply were major challenges. Today, the story has changed, and the impact on personnel wellbeing is evident,” he said.
Medugu explained that issues relating to electricity, water supply, damaged sewage systems and accommodation defects had been substantially addressed through strategic interventions and collaboration with higher headquarters and local stakeholders.
He stressed that improved welfare directly translates to stronger operational performance, noting that “a motivated and comfortable force will always give its best in support of national security objectives.”
The station commander also acknowledged the support of Headquarters Logistics Command, Badagry West LCDA, the Nigerian Customs Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, 243 Recce Battalion, 15 Field Engineering Regiment, Naval Forward Operating Base and other partners.
Highlights of the event included a keenly contested tug-of-war among senior non-commissioned officers, colourful cultural performances by Egun, Yoruba and Hausa groups, awards to outstanding personnel and a ceremonial sunset to mark the close of activities.
Participants commended NAF leadership for sustaining initiatives that promote welfare, cohesion and professionalism, while reaffirming support for the Service’s mandate to maintain peace and security nationwide.
