President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday in Kano lauded the Nigerian Air Force for living up to its constitutional responsibilities of securing the nation, and in the process, justifying the investments of the government of the day in the force.
Speaking at the ceremonial parade to commemorate its 58th anniversary, the President said the Air Force had transformed into a formidable entity, ready to confront immediate and future challenges.
He said, “It gives me great pleasure to be here to felicitate with you on the Nigerian Air Force 58th AnniversaryCelebration.
“This is particularly because the Nigerian Air Force has over these 58 years transformed to a formidable and resilient air force that is positioned to effectively tackle both contemporary and future security challenges.
“This adaptability has thus enabled the Service to respond effectively to our dynamic national security challenges.
“The Nigerian Air Force has been able to meet its constitutional responsibilities thereby justifying the Government’s enormous support in the last 7 years. I, therefore, congratulate the Chief of the Air Staff, officers and airmen/airwomen as well as civilian staff of the Nigerian Air Force on this occasion of the 58th Anniversary”.
The President in a statement signed by Malam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity quoted President Buhari noting that on assumption of office in 2015, he “promised to equip and re-professionalize our armed forces to perform their constitutional responsibilities more effectively.
He added that “we have therefore demonstrated the required political will and leadership as well as committed resources towards capacity building and re-professionalizing of the armed forces.”
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He said, “Today, I can say confidentially that the armed forces have indeed witnessed tremendous improvement in the past seven years.
“In particular, the provision of modern equipment and personnel motivation through enhanced welfare are also ongoing.
The President noted that “the provision of modern equipment and personnel motivation” like the Super Tucanos and the Augusta helicopter gunships among others, had greatly helped turn the tide in the fight against terrorists and other non-state actors, and sustained the Nigerian Air Force.
He assured that the administration will continue to provide more platforms such as the Beechcraft, some modern helicopter gunships and UAV for the Nigerian Air Force to enable it to man our airspace more effectively.
“Rest assured that as a Government, we are willing to do even more to ensure the provision of the requisite support and encouragement to overcome various security challenges.”
President Buhari commended the Hon Minister of Defence, the Chief of the Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs as well as the leadership of the security agencies for doing their jobs well, charging them to “remain committed, steadfast and resolute as we forge ahead to achieving a secure, peaceful and more prosperous Nigeria.”
“The Commander-in-Chief particularly lauded the Chief of the Air Staff, officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff of the air force for the good work they are doing to support the Government’s defence and security policies as well as the high level of discipline, loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and support of democratic values.”, the statement said.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Lucky Irabot, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Faruk Yahaya and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Xubairu Gambo were on ground in Kano to give synergy support to their counterpart, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, Chief of Air Staff at the colourful ceremony.
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