By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
As part of activities to commemorate it’s 57th anniversary celebration, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) will induct newly procured JF-17 thunder aircraft into its inventory.
The induction is billed for the Nigerian Air Force Base, Makurdi, Benue State.
Chairman, Organising Committee for the Nigerian Air Force at 57 Anniversary celebration, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar, made the disclosure at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday.
The theme of the anniversary celebration is “Enhancing Nigerian Air Force Airpower Capabilities for Effective Joint Operations in Response to Contemporary National Security Challenges”
He disclosed that seasoned experts will present papers on doctrinal development and joint force employment as well as standardisation of training and interoperability of equipment in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He noted that the seminar would proffer workable strategies aimed at checkmating the myriad of security challenges in the country.
Abubakar explained that the theme was carefully selected aimed at emphasising the renewed focus on cooperation and collaboration among other services in the continued protection of the nation’s territorial integrity against its enemies.
This, he said, was also in tandem with the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao’s vision which is to enhance and sustain critical airpower capabilities required for joint force deployment in pursuit of national security imperatives.
He also disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), had procured and inducted 25 new platforms in the past five years.
“The 2021 celebration is structured to enlightened Nigerians of NAF’s efforts in the ongoing fight against insurgency, terrorism, and banditry in the country.
“There will be Induction of a new platform, as well as an aerial display by L-39-ZA, A-JET, and JF-17 thunder aircraft.
“There will be other activities taking place across NAF bases in the country, such as humanitarian support activities by Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) across the six geo-political zones.
Abubakar, however, noted that all these efforts were geared towards having a professional service capable of deploying superior airpower in protecting the nation’s integrity against any form of threat.
He announced that the first ever military telemedicine facility in Abuja will be launched during the celebrations.
The facility is expected to enhance provision of excellent medicare to personnel and their dependants as well as civilian beneficiaries at the lowest possible cost.
