NAF@60: NAF will maintain well-trained motivated fighting force – CAS assures
…Commissions Multiple Life Changing Projects
By Lawrence Audu
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar has stated that the Nigerian Air Force NAF has stated that the Force is making significant milestone in the steady but progressive journey of meeting the defence needs of modern Nigeria.
The Air Chief gave the remarks Monday in Abuja, while commissioning multiple life changing projects for the comfort and efficiency of personnel.
He noted that, the Nigerian Air Force, over some years now has faced serious accommodation challenges which has necessitated the recent expansion in force structure.
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He emphasized that, to align with his command philosophy which is “To transform the NAF into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the airpower demands of national security in all operational environments”, he made a commitment to offset as much of the inherited housing deficits as possible, to ensure that our personnel are adequately motivated. This commitment includes provision of good medical care and contemporary sporting facilities for personnel and their families.
“By the favour of God Almighty, and the leadership of President and Commander in Chief of the Armed of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Nigerian Air Force under my leadership has made the outstanding infrastructural changes as you have witnessed.
“Our personnel in Abuja now have access to a modern sports complex, 56-shops mammy plaza, 40-bed hospital, fire bay and a microfinance bank. They also have a mini base, an ultramodern office complex and housing estates with recreational facilities.”
He stated further that, soon, the Asokoro Base Garden and Park will be commissioned to compliment good health and environmental conservation in that Base.
Furthermore, Abubakar noted that having envisaged the necessity of landholding to the growth of Nigerian Air Force, he sought to ensure that all landed properties belonging to the Service are properly claimed and well secured.
“Consequently, the Service is safeguarding all of its lands countrywide, and with the assistance government agencies like the Federal Capital Development Authority, is legally and humanly are reclaiming land portions that have been encroached upon”
These reclaimed lands he said, will afford the Nigerian Air Force the space to site future operational facilities and living accommodations for our growing workforce.
“Essentially, all the aforementioned infrastructural strides are a testament to our fulfilment of a key drivers of my command philosophy, which is “to maintain a highly motivated force by enhancing welfare and infrastructural renewal”. He added.
According to the Air Chief, one of the projects worthy of note is the Nigerian Air Force Centre of Excellence. The Centre he said, will accommodate and provide facilities for 4 very key institutes; the Institute of Airpower Studies, Air Force War College, Air Warfare Centre and Air to Ground Integration School.
“It is envisaged that the Centre, when completed would offer first-rate air power education and learning as well as foster innovation in air power doctrinal development.
“The Centre will no doubt have a transformative impact, not just on the Nigerian Air Force, but on military aviation worldwide. Ultimately, all projects that we have commissioned today are inspired by the revived will of the Nigerian Air Force to exhaustively meet the tasks imposed on it by Nigeria; tasks that my administration have vowed to vigorously accomplish.
Abubakar appreciated the respective Branches at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters and 053 Headquarters Nigerian Air Force Camp for their professionalism and efforts in facilitating today’s commissioning.
He expressed special appreciation to the leadership of the National Assembly for enabling the fiscal releases to the Nigerian Air Force. “We are confident that you will continue to consider our specific needs as they arise.
“My profound gratitude goes to the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmad Tinubu for his relentless support to the Nigerian Air Force.
“We as a Service pledge to be critical stakeholders in the actualization of the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of his Government.
He further assured that the Nigerian Air Force’s high commitment to maintaining a well-trained and motived fighting force that is willing, able and ready to meet all of its constitutional roles.
