WELCOME ADDRESS BY THE CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF AIR MARSHAL SADIQUE BABA ABUBAKAR AT THE NIGERIAN AIR FORCE DAY 2019 CELEBRATION ON 29 APRIL 2019
PROTOCOL
1. It is indeed an honour and a privilege for me to welcome the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, ably represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha and other very distinguished guests to the NAF Day 2019 Celebration marking the Fifty-Fifth Anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force. Occasions such as this presents an opportunity for us to reflect, take stock and chart new ways of moving the Service forward.
2. The 55 years of the existence of the Nigerian Air Force have been very eventful and during this period, the NAF was confronted with a myriad of challenges. However, we were able to surmount these challenges and progressively maturing in the process. The NAF has also grown in size, spread and equipment holding all in a bid to fulfil its statutory obligation of protecting and defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria from the air. The growth of the NAF since the inception of the Service has been particularly outstanding. From having only a few trainers and transport aircraft in the early years of the Service, the Nigerian Air Force currently has an impressive ORBAT comprising diverse aircraft with capabilities to perform a wide spectrum of missions. We have also continued to build upon the foundations laid by our noble predecessors by reactivating several aircraft that were hitherto grounded; acquired and inducted various platforms into service and increased the strength of service personnel by 7,500 airmen/airwomen and 400 officers. Additionally, 2 new commands and 2 staff branches were established to meet the evolving security challenges we are faced with.
3. The Nigerian Air Force has also established additional units spread across the nation in response to evolving security challenges; construction and upgrading of existing schools, hospitals and other infrastructure including 2 Reference Hospitals to attend to the welfare of personnel and their families. Furthermore, the gap between force projection and force protection capability has been substantially bridged with the training of more than 1000 Special Forces. These personnel have been deployed as part of the Base Defence forces to deal with the threat to our bases and to support Internal Security Operations in various troubled spots across the country, especially in the North East, North Central and North West respectively. The current status of the Nigerian Air Force is a testament to the continued and sustained efforts by our predecessors since the establishment of the Service. In paraphrasing the famous scientist, Sir Isaac Newton; ‘If we have attained these great heights today, it is because we have stood on the shoulders of giants.’ I therefore use this opportunity to appreciate the efforts of our retired personnel, many of whom are still contributing their vast experience and expertise to the progress and success of the Nigerian Air Force and to assure you that we will not rest on our oars as we strive to attain greater heights and success in our service to the nation.
4. The continued commitment of Mr President to improving the capacity and equipment holding of the NAF is clearly exemplified by the procurement of a fleet of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft from the United States of America, which are expected to be delivered in 2020. This is besides the acquisition of several other aircraft since the inception of this administration. At the end of this ceremonial parade today, the President of the Federal Republic, ably represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, will be unveiling 2 units of Agusta 109 Power helicopters, which were recently delivered to the NAF. The introduction of these helicopters and other additional helicopters expected to arrive in the next few months will significantly boost the effectiveness and combat capability of the Nigerian Air Force especially in the counter-insurgency operations in the North East, anti-banditry and anti-kidnapping operations in the North West.
5. We remain grateful to Mr President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces who has continued to show uncommon commitment to meeting the needs of the NAF. I want to use this opportunity to request that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation convey our appreciation to His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari for the continued support of his administration of which you sir, are a key part of. We are also appreciative of the support of members of both houses of the National Assembly, the Honourable Minister of Defence and other officials of Government who are always standing by us to ensure that we receive the necessary support and resources to carry out our constitutional mandate.
6. At this juncture, let me on behalf of the officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, renew our commitment to supporting the vision of Mr President towards ensuring a secured, united and prosperous Nigeria. I will also like to once again welcome our Special Guest of Honour, President Muhammadu Buhari ably represented by the SGF, Mr Boss Mustapha as well as all our esteemed guests for honouring us with your presence and celebrating our dear Nigerian Air Force with us.
7. Thank you and God bless us all.
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REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-lN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AT THE NIGERIAN AIR FORCE DAY CELEBRATION 29 APRIL 2019
Protocol
1. I am very delighted to be in your midst today to celebrate the Fifty-fifth Anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force. Since the establishment of the Nigerian Air Force in 1964 by an Act of the Nigerian Parliament, the Nigerian Air Force has been fulfilling its Constitutional mandate of preserving Nigeria’s territorial integrity through the employment and projection of air power. Aside the role of preserving territorial integrity, the Nigerian Air Force has also been playing vital roles in Peace-Keeping Operations on the African continent.
2. I am indeed impressed with the display and professionalism put up by the officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force at this ceremonial parade. Military parades of this nature have been a way of determining soldierly qualities and troops’ cohesion. The March-Past was elegantly conducted with precision and the parade was generally colourful. This is an epitome of discipline and excellent military posture, which are hallmarks of a modern fighting force. I am further excited by the aerial display by Nigerian Air Force airplanes. The displays demonstrate Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to achieving high standards of operational readiness. This ceremony would leave an indelible impression in my memory and indeed in the memories of all of us here present. I want to commend the Chief of the Air Staff and his team for the commendable leadership they provide for the Nigerian Air Force.
3. As a country, we are particularly proud that in less than 4 years, we have been able to revitalise our armed forces for the full restoration of Nigeria’s territorial integrity that was once violated by Boko Haram insurgents. As the air arm of the armed forces, the Nigerian Air Force has continued to play very crucial roles in degrading the fighting capabilities of the Boko Haram Terrorists in North East where our officers, airmen, soldiers and ratings have performed gallantly.
4. As you may recall in my inaugural speech as President, I promised to put an end to Boko Haram insurgency which hitherto had posed a grave threat to Nigeria’s territorial integrity as well as development in the North East. In fulfilling this promise, I made professionalism and capacity building of the armed forces a major security policy thrust of my administration. Training and the acquisition of brand new platforms and other support equipment for the Army, Navy, Air Force and other security agencies was intensified. While, the procurement process of military hardware was reviewed to remove inefficiency and corruption. This was in practical fulfillment of my promise to re-professionalise and adequately equip our military so that they could effectively discharge their responsibilities. I have no doubt that the employment of the newly acquired platforms in addition to the Super Tucano aircraft which would be delivered in 2022, would add impetus to the combat efficiency of the Nigerian Air Force. Moving forward, I charge you to consolidate on the gains of air power towards sustaining the peace and stability we have attained so far.
5. Once again, I salute the resolve of our Armed Forces and the invaluable contributions of other security agencies towards the defeat of Boko Haram and other security challenges bedevilling our dear nation. Specifically, the contributions of the Nigerian Air Force in addressing the security challenges in the North West against armed banditry/cattle rustling and kidnapping is also appreciated. Your efforts in conjunction with other security agents have started to yield positive results thereby restoring our pride and honour amongst the comity of nations. I also want to thank Nigerians for coming together as a united and determined people, irrespective of political, religious and ethnic affiliations, to wage the war against terror and insurgency. We are currently in the stabilisation, reconstruction and resettlement phase of the overall effort in the North East, and we continue to solicit for your support and understanding until terrorism is completely eradicated. We will not relent until every trouble spot within our territory enjoys enduring peace and order.
6. As part of our continued commitment to equip the Armed Forces towards tackling insecurity and protecting our citizens, after this parade today, I will induct into the Service of the Nigerian Air Force 2 x Agusta 109 Power Helicopters which were recently delivered. These helicopters and other additional helicopters expected to arrive in the next few months will surely boost performance of the Nigerian Air Force constitutional roles. I therefore charge you to redouble your efforts towards protecting our national interests, while at the same time degrading national security threats. These remarks would not be complete without acknowledging the roles played by the Nigerian Air Force in the just concluded General Elections. I am aware of the efficient airlift of electoral materials as well as aerial surveillance conducted by the Nigerian Air Force which contributed to the success of the elections. This went a long way in checkmating the activities of electoral saboteurs and other criminal elements. I therefore use this opportunity to commend the armed forces and other security agencies for a job well done.
7. Once again, I congratulate the Chief of the Air Staff and the entire Air Force family on the occasion of the 55th Anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force. Long live the Nigerian Air Force, long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
8. Thank you all and God bless
