• Marks 59th Anniversary With New War Jets
The Nigerian Air Force, at the weekend, commissioned operations support facilities and winged six additional pilots on the A-29 Super Tucano (A-29ST) aircraft. The latest facility induction was a major milestone recorded by the service in its acquisition of the United States-made aircraft.
Air Force spokesman, Air Commodore Ayodele Famuyiwa, said the ceremony signified the official completion of the A-29ST projects by the Government of the United States, as part of the government-to-government sale of the A-29ST aircraft to Nigeria.
In a related development, the Nigerian Air Force has concluded plans to commemorate its 59 years of existence with the induction of two new platforms at the NAF Base, Emene in Enugu State.
The new platforms to be inducted are DA-62, Wing Loong II UAV and CW 40 UAV. The Chairman Organising Committee, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Day celebration 2023, Air Commodore Chukwuedo Illoh, made the disclosure in Abuja, on activities lined up for the celebration.
According to him, the brief was organised to formally inform the public about the forthcoming NAF 59th anniversary celebration with the theme: “Doctrinal Imperative for Successful Nigerian Air Force Operations.“
Illoh said: “The NAF is relying on the media for timely and accurate reportage of every event marking the NAF Day 2023 Celebration.” He urged the people of Enugu State not to panic due to the movement of war jets that would be taking part in the event.
He said: “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.” He noted that pursuant to its mandate of securing the territorial integrity of the nation through the application of air power, the service was also determined to ensure a peaceful and progressive country.
According to him, 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.
He noted that it is only rational, therefore, to celebrate its existence as well as the laudable achievements recorded over the year. He added: “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’.
He noted that there would be a series of pre-event activities taking place simultaneously at NAF units across the country.
“These activities included Juma’at prayers, which took place on Friday and interdenominational church service today.
“There will also be medical outreach to host communities across the country on May 2, 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 May 4, 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 May 4, 2023.
“The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to be the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion. He expressed gratitude of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao for his support towards projecting a favourable image of the NAF
