Nigerian Air Force Sixtieth Anniversary Celebration Set to Commence in Abuja, Kaduna
By Lawrence Audu
All is now set for the Nigerian Air Force NAF 60th Anniversary Celebrations which is scheduled to take place across all NAF formations nationwide to climax in Kaduna.
In a press briefing held Tuesday, Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Sixtieth Anniversary Celebration, Air Vice Marshal Michael Ekwueme, said, the event is scheduled to take place from the 23rd to the 25th of May 2024 in Abuja and Kaduna, with preliminary activities planned across NAF units nationwide. The Diamond Jubilee Anniversary he said, marks a significant moment in the history of the Nigerian Air Force.
Air Vice Marshal Ekwueme expressed gratitude to all those involved in organizing the celebration and highlighted the enduring partnership between the NAF and the media.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of the press in the recent achievements of the NAF under the leadership of Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, Air Vice Marshal Ekwueme commended the media for their support and patriotism in advancing the goals of the nation. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in fostering a strong and united Nigeria.
As the NAF prepares to commemorate 60 years of service and dedication, the anniversary celebration promises to be a momentous occasion filled with activities that honor the legacy and contributions of the Nigerian Air Force. Stay tuned for more updates on this historic event as the nation gears up to mark this significant milestone.
Full text of the briefing reads below:
I am Air Vice Marshal Michael Ekwueme, the Chairman Organizing Committee, of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Sixtieth Anniversary Celebrations. Let me on behalf of the Organizing Committee warmly welcome you all, members of the press to this media briefing organised to formally kick-start and inform the general public of the forthcoming NAF Sixtieth Anniversary Celebration. It is scheduled to hold from 23rd to 25th May 2024 in Abuja and Kaduna, with some preceding activities holding across NAF units in the country. Before I proceed, let me thank the Almighty God for the gift of life and for making it possible for us to witness this milestone in the history of the NAF, which is the Diamond Jubilee Anniversary. I would like to acknowledge the cordial relationship between the NAF and the media over the years.
I wish to state that the recent successes recorded by the NAF under the leadership of Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, Distinguished Flying Star in the past 10 months would not have been made possible without the cooperation and constant support of the media. I therefore wish to commend your sense of patriotism and cooperation in building a strong and virile nation as well as promoting peace and unity in our dear country. This year, the NAF will be celebrating its 60 years of existence. This Diamond jubilee anniversary is not only a time for celebration but also a moment for deep reflection on our accomplishments, challenges and charting the way forward. Throughout our rich history, the NAF has overcome numerous obstacles, adapted to evolving threats and subsequently emerged stronger and more resilient.
There is no doubt that the Service has grown over the years into a formidable and respected force within the African continent and beyond. The NAF has continued to fulfil its mandate of securing the territorial integrity of our dear nation through effective application of air power. It is pertinent to note that the NAF has made appreciable progress and significant contributions in the areas of internal security, humanitarian assistance, peace-keeping operations, as well as restoration and sustenance of democracy in the African continent. The Service has also made giant strides in the area of Research & Development. It is only rational therefore, to celebrate its existence as well as the laudable achievements of the past 6 decades.
The theme of the celebration is “Nigerian Air Force at 60: Leveraging Strategic Partnerships in Aerospace Innovations for Regional Security”. This is in line with one of the key enablers of the Chief of the Air Staff’s Command Philosophy which is prioritising research and development, leveraging cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships. This year’s theme is aimed at building on partnerships to address contemporary security challenges not only in the country, but across the African region.
To mark this year’s celebration, a series of activities have been lined up to enlighten the citizens of the contributions of the NAF in enhancing the security of our dear nation. Some activities will occur simultaneously in NAF units across the country. These include medical outreaches to various host communities tomorrow Wednesday 15 May, 2024; followed by Juma’at prayers on Friday 17 May, 2024 in all NAF units. On Saturday, 18 May, 2024, there will be an outreach by the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) in Abuja. Due to the emphasis on R&D in the NAF, there will be an Inter-Command Research and Development Competition on the same Saturday 18 May, 2024 here in Abuja. You will witness innovative solutions and projects undertaken and supported by the NAF leadership led by Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar. There will also be a Golf Kitty on Saturday 18 May 2024 at NAF Base Bill Clinton Drive Abuja.
There will be an Inter-Denominational Church Service on 19 May, 2024 in all NAF bases. On May 20, 2024, there will be the unveiling of the newly licensed NAF Micro Finance Bank and the commissioning of several projects completed by the current leadership of the NAF in Abuja. The Third African Air Forces Forum, Conference, and Exhibition will take place from 23 to 24 May 2024 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja. We are expecting over 2,000 participants at the Conference and exhibition, over 30 air forces and 10 chiefs of air staff, 40 exhibitors including major defence and aerospace players such as Airbus, Embraer, Diamond Aircraft, HAVELSAN, Jet Aviation, and of course our own DICON.
There will also be an Inter-Command NAF Combat Sports Competition, on 24 May, at the newly completed and soon-to-be-commissioned NAF Base, Sports complex Asokoro, Abuja; the complex being one of the projects to be commissioned on 20 May. The highpoint of the NAF Sixtieth Anniversary Celebration will be on Saturday, 25 May 2024 when we will feature a Ceremonial Parade, Aerial display and Flying out of retired senior officers of 37 and 38 Regular Courses. The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR is expected to be the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion.
Distinguished members of the Press, it will interest you to note that the leadership of the NAF having adequately considered the prevailing economic situation in the country, decided to adopt a cost-saving and novel approach in organising this year’s celebration. For the first time, the NAF is adopting a Public Private Partnership model to organise and fund this event. A company, the Great Minds Event Management based in Dubai is bringing in foreign exhibitors and participants to participate in the Conference and Exhibition as well as sponsor the event in various degrees. Local exhibitors will also be participating. Furthermore, we have secured sponsorships from some state governments and organisations. Some of our sponsors include Rivers, Enugu, Taraba, Kaduna and Bauchi State Governments. We also have the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory, Air Peace and Transcorp Hilton. There are also some companies including CATIC, ALIT and CETC. The event will be a good platform to showcase the capabilities of our local defence companies. DICON will be leading Nigerian military industrial complex made up of several local defence equipment manufacturers such as EPAIL, a local manufacturer of ballistic vests, helmets and armoured vehicles.
At this point, I must once again commend the excellent relationship between the media and the NAF, which has made it possible for the public to be kept well informed of our activities. We consider you our partners in progress and rely on your goodwill. On this note, I wish to thank you most sincerely and also to profoundly express the warm gratitude of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, Distinguished Flying Star, for your usual support towards projecting a favourable image of the NAF.
Let me also appreciate your kind gesture for honouring our invitation to cover this press briefing. The NAF is relying on you, the media, for timely and accurate reportage of every event marking the Sixtieth Anniversary celebrations of the NAF. We also want to use this medium to inform the general public especially the good people of Abuja and Kaduna State not to panic as a result of the influx of NAF assets especially the aircraft and personnel that would be taking part in the event. I have no doubt that you will actively participate in these activities and give this historic Diamond jubilee anniversary the desired publicity. Thank you all and God bless.
