NAF @ 54: Nigerian Airforce set to unveil 2 new Helicopter Gunships to mark anniversary; Holds ​Inter-Denominational Church Service in Abuja, Other NAF Units.

The Nigerian Air Force on Monday said that it would commission two new fighter Mi 35 helicopters at its 54^th anniversary holding In Kaduna from the 4^th and 5^th of May 2018. 

The Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Air Vice Marshal Charles Ohwo who made this known during a press briefing also added that as part of the celebrations, the Nigerian Airforce would attend to over 1, 500 patients in Kaduna through its medical outreach programme. 

Air Vice Marshal Charles Ohwo advised the people of Kaduna State not to panic due to the movement of Air Platforms that would be taking part in the event but go about their normal activities. 

Ohwo who noted that the this year’s NAF Day would take place at Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna is meant to consolidate on the gains on the ‘employment of air power’ especially at this critical stage in our Nation’s history.  

He said, “It is for this reason that the theme, ‘Enhancing Nigerian Air Force Operational Capability for Timely Employment of Air Power in Response to Contemporary Security Challenges’ was adopted as the theme for this year’s NAF Day Celebration. 

AVM Ohwo enumerated the activities lined up to celebrate the ceremony to include a historical photo gallery statics of the Nigerian Airforce, a display of its Research and Development monuments and the introduction of the Engineering Wing of the Nigerian Air Force. 

He disclosed that the Nigerian Airforce would use the opportunity to renew some of its Memorandum of Understanding with some of their research and development partners, while hosting a gala night, ceremonial parade and aerial display. 

“During the occasion, some attack helicopters would also be commissioned while erstwhile colours of Training Command would be retired”, he said. 

“The new colours would be presented to the newly established Air Training Command and Ground Training Command by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari. 

“Other activities include Medical outreach programme aimed at giving back to the society especially those who are not opportune to asses such medical facilities.  It is also part of the Nigerian Air Force corporate social responsibility.  

“Similarly, it is a viable medium to winning the hearts and minds as well as appreciates Nigerians for their support and goodwill over the years”.

Meanwhile, as part of activities marking the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) 54th Anniversary Celebration, an Interdenominational Church Service was held on Sunday, 29 April 2018, across all NAF Units and Abuja.  

In Abuja, the commemorative service was held at the Protestant Church, Bill Clinton Drive NAF Base, Abuja.  

The Church Service, which attracted a large turnout of Christian worshippers including NAF personnel, was held to appreciate God for his mercies over the NAF in spite of contemporary challenges.  

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who was represented at the service by the Chief of Standards and Evaluation, Headquarters NAF, Air Vice Marshal Kingsley Lar, stated that the NAF had every reason to be grateful to God, based on its significant contributions to national security in the last 54 years.  

The CAS noted that the 54th Anniversary Celebration of the NAF presents a unique opportunity for personnel not only to celebrate but also reflect on the need to redouble their efforts in ensuring that the nation is secured and conducive for all citizens to carry out their legitimate businesses. 

Air Marshal Abubakar assured NAF personnel that his administration would continue to work harder to ensure that they have the required equipment and resources to discharge their duties effectively.  

He then reminded them of the need to continually add value to the Service for effective and efficient service delivery irrespective of their cadre and capacity, towards enhancing national security.  

He added that, “In the race to add value to our society, there is no finishing line”.  

Speaking further, the CAS stated that in the last 2 years and 10 months, the NAF had witnessed tremendous growth in all facets of the Service in terms of human capacity development, personnel welfare, serviceable platforms, robust logistics support and expansion, amongst others, to meet the demands of national security.

“I want to say that it has not been easy; like any other establishment, there will be period of difficulties but by and large, the NAF has reasons to celebrate.  

“In modern warfare, air force is the most critical component and without doubts, the NAF has continued to discharge its constitutional responsibilities very well,” he said. 

In his sermon, the Chaplain of the NAF Roman Catholic Church, Abuja, Group Captain Philip Kwasau implored all Nigerians, especially Christians, to return to the path of God in order to get it right, stating that there was no difficulty or problem that God could not solve.  

“We are celebrating the greatness of Nigeria, if Nigerians could go on their knees and pray in humility for God’s intervention, he will listen to us and rescue our nation. We shall overcome the challenges facing the nation if we return back to God”, the Chaplain said.  

The NAF he noted remains one of the key components in the national security whose role cannot be overemphasized.  

According to him, the NAF had written its name in gold with great impact in restoring peace both within and outside the nation, noting that the greater impact is yet to come.  

Intercessory prayers were later offered for the nation, the NAF leadership and personnel and those involved in the counterinsurgency operation and other Internal Security operations across the country as well as families of personnel who had paid the supreme price in the defence of the nation. 

Olatokunbo Adesanya

Air Vice Marshal, DPRI,

Nigerian Air Force.