CAS Urges NAF Commanders to Uphold Responsibility, Enhance Strategy
In a remarkable assembly of Nigeria Air Force (NAF) commanders, including branch heads, directors, commandants, commanders, and air component commanders on Wednesday, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), emphasized the profound duty bestowed upon NAF personnel to ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.
According to a statement by NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the CAS underscored that the Nigerian people have high expectations of the Armed Forces in the mission to eliminate criminal elements from the country, adding “We cannot afford to let Nigerians down.”
Air Marshal Abubakar’s address took place as he met with key appointment holders, commanders, commandants, and air component commanders within the NAF. He called upon them to use the gathering as an opportunity to devise strategies to enhance NAF operations, streamline logistics support systems, and improve maintenance practices.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of ensuring the air assets’ serviceability for optimal utilization of airpower capabilities in joint operations.
Highlighting the bolstering of NAF capabilities, Air Marshal Abubakar announced the recent acquisition of additional air assets, purchased by the Federal Government.
According to him, the NAF has already taken delivery of two Diamond-62 Multi-Purpose Platforms, and more new platforms will be inducted shortly. These additions are expected to significantly enhance NAF’s ability to combat insurgents, terrorists, and other criminal elements affecting the nation.
The Chief of the Air Staff expressed his sincere appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for unwavering support in addressing the operational, training, and welfare needs of the Service.
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He reiterated NAF’s resolute commitment to working alongside other security agencies to fulfil their mandate of ensuring a safe, united, and prosperous Nigeria.
Air Vice Marshal Sayo Olatunde, the Chief of Policy and Plans, underscored the multifaceted roles of senior officers within the NAF. He urged them to not only view themselves as commanders or commandants but also as leaders, managers, and mentors to their subordinates.
Command, he emphasized, brings with it the authority and responsibility to effectively manage resources, and plan, organize, direct, and coordinate forces to achieve assigned tasks. It also involves being responsible for the welfare, morale, and discipline of personnel.
Air Vice Marshal Olatunde encouraged the senior officers to continue influencing their teams by providing purpose, direction, and motivation to accomplish missions and improve the Service. He advised them to approach the meeting with an open mind, ready to embrace new ideas and enhance their command responsibilities.
Throughout the two-day meeting, attendees will engage in lectures covering various aspects, including unit administration, command responsibilities, the Chief of the Air Staff’s command philosophy, and a review of ongoing counterinsurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
These discussions aim to foster a more effective, well-prepared, and cohesive NAF that can meet the evolving security challenges faced by Nigeria.
