As part of its 61st anniversary, the Nigerian Air Force, (NAF), displayed its aircraft and platforms to civilians in Abuja.
The NAF said the Open Day, with the theme “Come See Your Air Force”, is a way of building bridges with the public through openness and education.
Blueprint reports that the event featured guided tour of NAF facilities, close-up inspections of aircraft and platforms, including Super Tucano, Alfa jets, Helicopters among others at the Nmandi Azikiwe International Airports, Airport.
The event also featured historical exhibitions including photo galleries and display of NAF uniforms and interactive sessions with NAF personnel at Base Bill Clinton Drive, Abuja.
In his remarks, Commander of Executive Airlift Group Abuja, Air Commodore Muhammed Ahmed, said the event is an opportunity to build trust and be accountable to members of the public.
He said: “Basically what we do, our mandate is to fly members of ministries, departments and agencies and senior officers of the armed forces within Nigeria.
“Sometimes we go outside the country to some countries within the continent. So basically that’s what we do.
“Under me I have seven airplanes, including the helicopter. Some of them are out for maintenance, so you will see it for yourself when you come around to see what we do.
“It’s a good thing that we are having civilians coming to the base to see what the Air Force does. As the Air Force is to us, that is how the Air Force is to you. It’s taxpayers’ money being used to buy these airplanes.
“It’s taxpayers’ money that is being used to pay our salary. So we appreciate you all. And that is why the Chief of Air Staff wants us to bring you in so that you can see what your money is being used for.
“Now when we were taking pictures, I saw a young man coming off and his father was saying, come to the future. Hopefully one day I will see him and celebrate him as a pilot in Nigeria. So that’s what we are doing here now for today.”
Commander of Executive Airlift Group Abuja, Air Commodore Muhammed Ahmed, said the event is an opportunity to be accountable to members of the public.
He said: “Basically what we do, our mandate is to fly members of ministries, departments and agencies and senior officers of the armed forces within Nigeria.
“Sometimes we go outside the country to some countries within the continent. So basically that’s what we do.
“Under me I have seven airplanes, including the helicopter. Some of them are out for maintenance, so you will see it for yourself when you come around to see what we do.
“It’s a good thing that we are having civilians coming to the base to see what the Air Force does. As the Air Force is to us, that is how the Air Force is to you. It’s taxpayers’ money being used to buy these airplanes.
“It’s taxpayers’ money that is being used to pay our salary. So we appreciate you all. And that is why the Chief of Air Staff, wants us to bring you in so that you can see what your money is being used for.
“Now when we are taking pictures, I saw a young man coming off and his father was saying, come to the future. Hopefully one day I will see him and celebrate him as a pilot in Nigeria. So that’s what we are doing here now for today.”
In an interview with journalists, Engr. Victor Prince-Dixon, thanked the NAF for the opportunity, saying it was an opportunity to know the NAF better
He said: “I think for me what stands out most are the fact that before now, the Air Force was shrouded in secrecy.
“The only thing you know are just planes, you know that people wear uniforms, you don’t even understand the rank, you don’t know the position, you don’t even know where they are situated around the country.
“But here you are for the first time in my life, with my wife and my children, we have the opportunity to have Air Force officers introducing themselves to us, introducing their uniform, what they use their different uniforms for, and how they are positioned around the country.
“And then here again I am at the hangar now, seeing their aircraft. So for the first time, I’m seeing the Air Force as a friend. So going forward, I can tell you for sure, for me and my family and for what I do, I teach citizenship and leadership.”