NAF Unveil Programmes, Activities to Mark its 60th Anniversary Celebrations
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has unveiled the programmes and activities for its 60th anniversary celebrations.
Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Air Vice Marshal Michael Ekwueme, released the programmes and activities at a press conference, in Abuja, on Tuesday.
Air Vice Ekwueme noted that NAF has over the years grown into a formidable and respected force.
According to him, the NAF has emerged stronger and resilient from rising and emerging threats.
“There is no doubt that the Service has grown over the years into a formidable and respected force within the African continent and beyond.
“The NAF has continued to fulfil its mandate of securing the territorial integrity of our dear nation through effective application of air power.
“It is pertinent to note that the NAF has made appreciable progress and significant contributions in the areas of internal security, humanitarian assistance, peace-keeping operations, as well as restoration and sustenance of democracy in the African continent.
“The Service has also made giant strides in the area of Research & Development.
“It is only rational therefore, to celebrate its existence as well as the laudable achievements of the past 6 decades.
The theme of the celebration is “Nigerian Air Force at 60: Leveraging Strategic Partnerships in Aerospace Innovations for Regional Security”.
AIR Vice Marshal Ekwueme further disclosed that the theme is in line with one of the key enablers of the Chief of the Air Staff’s Command Philosophy, which is prioritising research and development, leveraging cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships.
“This year’s theme is aimed at building on partnerships to address contemporary security challenges not only in the country, but across the African region.
“To mark this year’s celebration, a series of activities have been lined up to enlighten the citizens of the contributions of the NAF in enhancing the security of our dear nation.
“Some activities will occur simultaneously in NAF units across the country.
“These include medical outreaches to various host communities tomorrow Wednesday 15 May, 2024; followed by Juma’at prayers on Friday 17 May, 2024 in all NAF units.
“On Saturday, 18 May, 2024, there will be an outreach by the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) in Abuja.
“Due to the emphasis on R&D in the NAF, there will be an Inter-Command Research and Development Competition on the same Saturday 18 May, 2024 here in Abuja.
“You will witness innovative solutions and projects undertaken and supported by the NAF leadership led by Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar.
“There will also be a Golf Kitty on Saturday 18 May 2024 at NAF Base Bill Clinton Drive Abuja.
“There will be an Inter-Denominational Church Service on 19 May, 2024 in all NAF bases.
“On May 20, 2024, there will be the unveiling of the newly licensed NAF Micro Finance Bank and the commissioning of several projects completed by the current leadership of the NAF in Abuja.
“The Third African Air Forces Forum, Conference, and Exhibition will take place from 23 to 24 May 2024 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
“We are expecting over 2,000 participants at the Conference and exhibition, over 30 air forces and 10 chiefs of air staff, 40 exhibitors including major defence and aerospace players such as Airbus, Embraer, Diamond Aircraft, HAVELSAN, Jet Aviation, and of course our own DICON.
“There will also be an Inter-Command NAF Combat Sports Competition, on 24 May, at the newly completed and soon-to-be-commissioned NAF Base, Sports complex Asokoro, Abuja; the complex being one of the projects to be commissioned on 20 May.
“The highpoint of the NAF Sixtieth Anniversary Celebration will be on Saturday, 25 May 2024 when we will feature a Ceremonial Parade, Aerial display and Flying out of retired senior officers of 37 and 38 Regular Courses.
“The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR is expected to be the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion.
“Distinguished members of the Press, it will interest you to note that the leadership of the NAF having adequately considered the prevailing economic situation in the country, decided to adopt a cost-saving and novel approach in organising this year’s celebration.
“For the first time, the NAF is adopting a Public Private Partnership model to organise and fund this event.
“A company, the Great Minds Event Management based in Dubai is bringing in foreign exhibitors and participants to participate in the Conference and Exhibition as well as sponsor the event in various degrees. Local exhibitors will also be participating.
“Furthermore, we have secured sponsorships from some state governments and organisations.
“Some of our sponsors include Rivers, Enugu, Taraba, Kaduna and Bauchi State Governments.
“We also have the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory, Air Peace and Transcorp Hilton.
“There are also some companies including CATIC, ALIT and CETC.
“ The event will be a good platform to showcase the capabilities of our local defence companies. DICON will be leading Nigerian military industrial complex made up of several local defence equipment manufacturers such as EPAIL, a local manufacturer of ballistic vests, helmets and armoured vehicles.
“We also want to use this medium to inform the general public especially the good people of Abuja and Kaduna State not to panic as a result of the influx of NAF assets especially the aircraft and personnel that would be taking part in the event.
