By Williams Anuku President Muhammadu Buhari has lauded the Nigerian Air Force for living up to its constitutional responsibilities ...
By Williams Anuku
President Muhammadu Buhari has lauded the Nigerian Air Force
for living up to its constitutional responsibilities of securing the nation.
The President said the investments of the government in the
airforce is well justified.
He spoke on Monday in Kano, 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.
“It gives me great pleasure to be here to felicitate with
you on the Nigerian Air Force 58th anniversary celebration. This is
particularly because the Nigerian Air Force has over these 58 years transformed
into 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.
President Buhari noted that on the assumption of office in
2015, he “promised to equip and re-professionalize the armed forces to perform
their constitutional responsibilities more effectively,” adding 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.”
According to him, “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 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.
No comments