The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Friday showcased its air weapons capability when it conducted a live test firing from some of its fighter jets and combat helicopters from great heights and speed signaling its preparedness to take on any security challenge in the country.
The test firing exercise tagged “Weapons Meet” which took place at the NAF Air Range site in Kwenev, Benue State, saw the newly armed L39ZA, Alpha Jets, F7Ni interceptor and the armed Augusta helicopter in action.
The various aircraft fired different air-to-surface munitions, displaying precision guided targeting, maneuverability, and interdiction moves in showcasing the NAF capability to protect the territorial integrity of the country and sub-region if need be.
Speaking on the NAF’s attainment of 53 years of existence, Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Abayomi Olonisakin maintained that the Service has done well in performance of its statutory roles and other assigned responsibilities within and outside the country and it is still doing more.
The CDS commended the exceptional performance of the NAF particularly in the area of research and development and encouraged other Services to emulate the visionary steps of the NAF toward becoming self-reliance in the field of technology.
Earlier, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abuabakar disclosed that the desire of the NAF was to improve on its capability and groomed professionals that can deliver at every point in time, saying that was the aim of the exercise.
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He said, “I think what is important is for us to realize that the desire impact of the Air Force is to have a stable and secured environment where everyone can go about their lawful businesses.
“We are working round the clock to ensure that we sustain the relative peace among us all”, he added.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force Officers Wives’ Association (NAFOWA) donated some household materials to the Gidam-Bege (house of hope) Orphanage home City Ministry as part of the activities marking the celebration of the 53rd Anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
NAFOWA’s National President, Hajiya Hafsat Abubarkar, said that the gesture was aimed at alleviating the hardship of some less privileged members of the society.
The donated items include assorted medications, toiletries, clothes, bags of rice, provisions, and cartons of Indomie noodles, biscuits and semovita, among others.
“Not everyone is born privileged; that is why we are showing love to those who are struggling and those who cannot pay back,’’
The team was full of emotion when one of the the Children, led her colleagues in singing song of love and Grace, some of the NAFOWA officers could not hold back her tears.
“NAFOWA is here to identify with you on this celebration. You are part of the society. We love you, NAFOWA loves you, Nigeria loves you and we are here to present a token of love to you. We are aware that the government alone cannot carry all the burden and I call on all well-meaning Nigerians to come to your assistance. We would always come here to associate with you,” she said.
She advised the Children to Focus on their education as education is key to greater heights.
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