President Muhammadu Buhari will on Saturday May 6, 2023 as part of activities marking Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Day Celebration 2023 induct new platforms into NAF Order of Battle.
This was disclosed Friday by the chairman organizing committee of 2023 NAF Day Air Commodore Chukwuedo Illoh at a press briefing in Abuja.
He said forthcoming NAF 59th Anniversary Celebration scheduled from 4 to 7 May 2023 at the NAF Base, Emene, Enugu state, has as its theme: “Doctrinal Imperative for Successful Nigerian Air Force Operations.”
According to him, the new platforms to be inducted are DA-62, Wing Loong II UAV and CW 40 UAV.
Air Commodore Chukwuedo Illoh said the NAF has over the year contributed to internal security, humanitarian and peace-keeping operations across the African continent.
He said: “This year, the NAF will be commemorating its 59 years of existence. There is no doubt that the Service has grown over the years into a formidable and respected force within the African continent and even beyond.
“Pursuant to its mandate of securing the territorial integrity of our dear nation through the application of air power, the Service is also determined to ensure a peaceful and progressive country. It is pertinent to note that the NAF has also made appreciable progress and significant contributions in the areas of internal security, humanitarian and peace-keeping operations as well as restoration and sustenance of democracy on the African continent. It is only rational therefore, to celebrate its existence as well as the laudable achievements recorded over the years.”
He said this year’s celebration is aimed at promoting air mindedness and effective approach to air power employment especially in joint military operations.
“As you may be aware, the NAF is a highly technical Service with the fundamental mission of ‘ensuring the integrity of the airspace by gaining and maintaining control of the air while retaining a credible capacity to fulfil other air power tasks demanded by national defence and security imperatives’.
“To this end, this year’s Theme is aimed at emphasizing and promoting air mindedness among NAF personnel and ensuring a common frame of reference on the most effective approach to air power employment especially in joint military operations at this critical stage in our Nation’s history,” he said.
He noted that series of activities have been lined up to enlighten the citizens of NAF efforts in the fight against insurgency, terrorism and other forms of criminality within the country.
“There will be series of pre-event activities taking place simultaneously at NAF units across the country. These activities include Juma’at prayers and Interdenominational Church Service. The Juma’at prayers will take place today, 28 April 2023 while the Inter-denominational Church service takes place on Sunday, 30 April 2023 respectively.
“There will also be medical out reaches to host communities across the country on 2 May 2023. Furthermore, the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) will also embark on humanitarian support activities to some selected communities in the country on 4 May 2023.
“All these are geared towards winning the consent and support as well as appreciating Nigerians for their support and goodwill over the years. There will also be a mini Golf Kitty which will take place in Enugu on Thursday, 4 May 2023.”
