President Muhammadu Buhari has lauded the Nigerian Airforce for turning the tide in fight against terrorists and non-state actors from the air.
He said the provision of kits, modern equipment and personnel motivation were responsible for the successes of the Nigeria Airforce, stressing that they are living up to their constitutional responsibilities of securing the nation.
Speaking on Monday in Kano at the ceremonial parade to commemorate NAF 58th anniversary, he said, the Nigeria Airforce has transformed into a strong and virile entity and they are ever ready to tackle 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.
According to him, NAF has justified the huge financial and human investment in it in the last seven years of his administration.
“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.”
He recalled his promise of equipping and re-professionalising the Armed forces upon his resumption of office in 2015, noting that his administration has demonstrated the political will and commitment to the armed forces.
As a result of that, he noted, the Armed forces have witnessed tremendous improvement and they have done so well in the last seven years of his administration, which he insisted was as a result of the provision of modern equipment and personnel motivation through enhanced welfare of officers.
He noted: “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.
