By; Mohammed Kawu, Bauchi.
Senate Committee on Air Force Vice Chairman, Senator Ali Wakili has assured of Senate’s credence to President Buhari for his support to the development of the Armed Forces which enable them discharge their duty effectively and efficiently especially in routing out insurgency and other transnational crimes.
Wakili, while reiterating the commitment of the Senate and the National Assembly in supporting the President’s security efforts, enjoined every personnel of the Armed Forces, especially the Nigerian Air Force to throw their weight behind the current democratic dispensation, particularly the war against corruption among public office holders.
Senator Wakili, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the novelty match for Nigerian Air Force Reunion 2016 and 52nd Anniversary of the force held in Bauchi Thursday, reassured of the National Assembly continuous support in the Armed Forces quest to protect lives and property, and maintain the corporate state of Nigeria.
Also speaking at the occasion the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar noted that physical fitness which is derived from active sports is important in the life of a Soldier, Airman and Seaman, as it enable the military man ill-endurance, stands tress, build team spirit and carry one in circumstances where a sick person cannot.
Sadique, who described physical fitness as a measure of good health, total well-being and remain one of the essential ingredients of building combat ready personnel, explained that it was in view of this that the Nigerian Air Force places premium on ensuring that its personnel remain mentally and physically prepared at all times.
He said however that the philosophy of building friendship through sports has been incorporated into the Armed forces policies and regulations to ensure expirit-de-corp, as it also ensures team spirit.
The Chief of Air Staff recalled that the Air Force recently concluded the maiden edition of the Force Combat Week into a focus on entrenching the concept of total fitness for war.
This, Air Marshal Sadique stated, entails physical fitness to develop knowledge and skills to fight, mental and emotional fitness to bring the incentive and desire to fight, as well as physical fitness to build the strength and stamina to fight.
He further explained that the novelty football match between the Chief of Air Staff and Governor M. A Abubakar organized by the Air Force as part of the activities marking the 52nd anniversary is aimed at building the relationship beyond the military, while the tug of war is designed to build team and competitive spirit.
“Aside imbibing comradeship among our personnel, it is our hope that these events will go a long way in strengthening our resolve to having a healthy lifestyle through physical exercises.”
Air Marshal Abubakar expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for his unflinching support to the growth and development of not only the Nigerian Air Force but indeed the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Abubakar reassured Nigerians that the Nigerian Air Force remains committee to the successful execution of its constitutional role in defending the territorial integrity of the Nigerian state.
The Re-union 2016 and 52nd Anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force has the vision to reposition the Nigerian Air Force into a highly professional and disciplined force through capacity building initiatives for effective, efficient and timely employment of air power in response to Nigeria’s national security imperatives.
