The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has again declared its unwavering support and commitment to protect Nigeria’s sovereignty as it celebrates 61, years of existence in the country.
It also said the service has been at the forefront in combating insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and other security challenges bedeviling the country and called on Nigerians to support the military end the menace.
Chairman, Organising Committee, NAF@61 Celebration/4th International Air Force Forum, Air Commodore Sylvester Eyoma, made this known at a media briefing on the activities lined up to mark the 61, years anniversary celebrations of the NAF, in Abuja.
Eyoma, while noting that the NAF had undergone significant transformation in its organisation, manning, and equipment holding in its over 61 years of existence, said that the transformation had tremendously bolstered the capacity of the service to effectively deliver on its constitutional mandates.
The chairman who assured Nigerians of the capability of the NAF, to peace and security in the country, said.
”Through precision air strikes, coordinated operations, and advanced surveillance, we have recorded significant operational successes.
”These have contributed to weakening terrorists’ networks, disrupting their logistics, and supporting ongoing efforts of own troops and other security agencies in tackling the myriad of security challenges bedeviling our nation.
”Therefore, today, we are celebrating 61 years of dedication to duty and unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty,” he said.
He said the theme of the anniversary celebrations which is “Optimising Civil-Military Relations in a Joint Operational Environment for Enhanced Air Operations” was in recognition of the citizenry as worthy partner in the efforts to secure the country.
While noting that series of activities had been lined up for the celebration, said some were already ongoing.
He also said that part of the anniversary events which is the Open Day Visits and Career talks which held across NAF bases from May 1 and ended May 13, afforded opportunities for members of the public to visit NAF bases interact with NAF personnel and get to know more about their air force.
He also said that some Quick Impact Projects would be inaugurated across NAF operations theatre.
”One of the projects is a clinic that has been constructed in Rukubi Community in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, where some civilians lost their lives in January 2023, due to an unfortunate airstrike,” he said.
He announced that the Augusta 109S Trekker Helicopter would also be inducted by President Bola Tinubu at the 011 Presidential Air Fleet in Friday as part of the NAF@61 celebration.
Speaking further, he said the anniversary celebration would transit to the 4th African Air Forces Forum, which will presents an opportunity to build on the progress made so far in furtherance of regional security cooperation.
He said “It is intended to strengthen our collaborative efforts in employing advanced aerospace technologies to bolster our capacities to address national and regional security challenges.
”The theme of the Fourth African Air Forces Forum is: ‘Strengthening Collaborations in Advanced Aerospace Technologies for Enhanced National and Regional Security”.
”For this high-profile event, there will be a gathering of air force chiefs, defense experts, and industry leaders from across Africa and beyond to discuss advancements in air power and regional security cooperation.
”We are expecting more than 2,000 participants at the conference and exhibitions that are scheduled for May 22 and 23.
”They include 30 air forces and 12 chiefs of air staff, 45 exhibitors as well as major defence and aerospace players like Airbus, Embraer, Diamond Aircraft, HAVELSAN, Jet Aviation.
”Others are Starlite Aviation Group, Proforce and of course our own Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria”.
Daily Sun
