By; AMOS MATHEW, Kaduna
The Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd) has commended President Muhammadu Buhari, for his unflinching support to meet the Armed Forces’ operational and logistics requirements in general and the Nigerian Air Force in particular.
According to him, the Federal Government’s recent procurement of new platforms such as the J-F17 Thunder multi-role aircraft and Super Tucano attack aircraft to enhance the capacity of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to tackle current security challenges in the country is a testament to Mr President’s quest for equipping the Nigerian Air Force.
The minister, who was represented by Chief of the Defence Staff Armed Forces of Nigeria, General Leo Irabor, made it known at the combined passing out parade of 1,598 branch commission cadets 2022 and basic military training course 2021 recruits, at the MTC parade ground NAF base, Kaduna.
“The Nigerian Air Force is also expecting the delivery of the DA-42 surveillance aircraft, A109 Trekker helicopters and Beechcraft KA-360i aircraft in the next few years, among so many other requirements. We, therefore, once again thank Mr President for strengthening our Armed Forces and pledge our unalloyed loyalty and total commitment towards restoring peace and order in all parts of the country.
“I will also want to commend the Chief of Air the Staff for providing the right leadership to his officers, airmen and airwomen. I have noted with satisfaction, measures that you have emplaced to engender transparency, accountability and prudent utilisation of resources for optimal results. I implore you not to relent and assure you of my continued support to sustain your capacity development efforts.
“This landmark occasion is another testimony of the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force to operate a professional Service properly structured, appropriately manned and adequately trained to provide security for Nigeria and the Nigerian people. I am happy to note that the Nigerian Air Force has continued to play crucial roles in this regard.
“As you are aware, the military profession, which you have chosen, requires absolute discipline, loyalty and hard work, among other virtues. It is much more than just a job, especially at this crucial time in our Nation’s history, when we are battling the challenges of insecurity on several fronts.
“As such, you are expected to secure the lives and properties of the Nigerian people and ensure that they can live in peace and pursue their legitimate aspirations without fear. Such a noble service demands extraordinary courage, commitment, and patriotism, and Nigeria will continue to count on you and demand such qualities from you.
“Today, undoubtedly, marks a special day in your lives and that of your families, given that you have successfully scaled through the rigorous training at this Centre. I must highlight that the training was deliberately made to be demanding to simulate, as closely as possible, the real-life scenarios you are likely to encounter going forward.
“While you have every reason to feel proud and fulfilled for what you have achieved, it is important to remind you that this is just the beginning of another challenging but rewarding phase of your careers as officers and airmen/airwomen in the Nigerian Air Force. I am, however, confident that you will be able to cope with the demanding tasks ahead, given the quality of training that you have received.
“I, therefore, encourage you the graduands, and indeed all personnel, to ensure optimal utilization of resources while subordinating their personal interests to those of the Service and the Nation. Above all, you must exhibit the core values of ‘Integrity’, ‘Service before Self’ and ‘Excellence’ for which the Nigerian Air Force is known”, he stated.
