The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) turned 52 this year, following its establishment by the Statutory Act of Parliament on 18 April 1964. This year’s celebration was tagged “NAF Re-union 2016”, it held from 12 – 15 April 2016 in Bauchi. The choice of Bauchi for hosting the event was to enable as many as possible […]
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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) turned 52 this year, following its establishment by the Statutory Act of Parliament on 18 April 1964.
This year’s celebration was tagged “NAF Re-union 2016”, it held from 12 – 15 April 2016 in Bauchi. The choice of Bauchi for hosting the event was to enable as many as possible among NAF personnel currently deployed to the Northeast on Operation Lafiya Dole to participate in the celebration.
The theme “Re-uniting for Enhanced Service Delivery and Operational Efficiency” was chosen for this year’s celebration with a view to bringing serving and retired personnel together to brainstorm on current operational challenges and how to move the NAF forward.
Activities lined-up for the celebration included lectures, flypast, wings ceremony, as well as CAS awards and open forum. Others are medical outreach, novelty match and variety night.
The celebration was kick-started with a press conference by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar on Friday 8 April 2016 in Abuja. Jumat prayers were held same day, followed by inter-denominational church service on Sunday 10 April 2016.
Because we at Naij.com believe that these gallant soldiers deserve to be celebrated, we bring you photos that tell of all that transpired within the period of the NAF reunion and 52nd anniversary celebration.
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Army chiefs at the anniversary ceremony and reunion of the Nigerian Air Force.
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Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari who was represented by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin noted that the inputs and meaningful contributions of the retired personnel in stemming the tide of terrorism is second to none, just as he called on them to braze up to the challenge with courage, conviction and a sense of purpose.
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On his part, the Chief of The Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar reiterated the need for a Re-Union, which he says, “underscores the importance of continually being in contact with our retired colleagues and to draw valuable lessons from their experiences.”
He stated his commitment towards repositioning the Nigerian Air Force and placing it on a higher pedestal, promising to stem the spate of decline in regimentation, NAF ethics and core values.
In the same vein, Senate committee vice-chairman on Air Force, Senator Ali Wakili assured of the Senate’s support to President Muhammadu Buhari for the development of the Armed Forces to enable them discharge their duty effectively and efficiently, especially in the fight against insurgency and other transnational crimes.
Wakili, while restating the commitment of the Senate and the National Assembly in supporting the President’s security efforts, enjoined every personnel of the Armed forces, especially the Nigerian Air Force to throw their weight behind the current democratic dispensation, particularly the war against corruption among public office holders.
Senator Wakili, who was the special guest of honour at the novelty match of the NAF reunion, reassured of the National Assembly’s continuous support in the Armed Forces quest to protect lives and property, and maintain the corporate existence of Nigeria.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, noted that physical fitness, which is derived from active sports is important in the life of a soldier, airman and seaman, as it enables the military man on endurance, withstands stress, build team spirit and carry one in circumstances where a sick person cannot.
Sadique, who described physical fitness as a measure of good health, total well-being and remain one of the essential ingredients of building combat ready personnel, explained that it was in view of this that the Nigerian Air Force placed premium on ensuring that its personnel remain mentally and physically prepared at all times.
He said however that the philosophy of building friendship through sports has been incorporated into the Armed forces policies and regulations to ensure espirit-de-corps, as it also ensures team spirit.
The Chief of Air Staff recalled that the Air Force recently concluded the maiden edition of the Force Combat Week into a focus on entrenching the concept of total fitness for war.
This, Air Marshal Sadique stated, entails physical fitness to develop knowledge and skills to fight, mental and emotional fitness to bring the incentive and desire to fight, as well as physical fitness to build the strength and stamina to fight.
He further explained that the novelty football match between the Chief of Air Staff and Governor M. A Abubakar organised by the Air Force as part of the activities marking the 52nd anniversary was aimed at building the relationship beyond the military, while the tug of war was designed to build team and competitive spirit.
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“Aside imbibing comradeship among our personnel, it is our hope that these events will go a long way in strengthening our resolve to having a healthy lifestyle through physical exercises, Abubakar stressed.
The Air Marshal expressed gratitude to President Buhari for his unflinching support to the growth and development of not only the Nigerian Air Force but also indeed the Nigerian Air forces.
Abubakar reassured Nigerians that the Nigerian Air force remains committed to the successful execution of its constitutional role in defending the territorial integrity of the Nigerian state.
The Nigerian Air Force Re-Union Celebration is a gathering of Serving and retired personnel of the Force.
The Air Force says the reunion is aimed at reviving “Espirit de Corps and professionalism among personnel in the Force.”
This year’s ceremony also witnessed the winging of 23 pilots into the Nigerian Air Force, as part of the leadership human capacity development through robust and result oriented training for enhanced professional performance.
Those present for the occasion were; The Emir of Bauchi, Rilwan Suleiman; Chief of Army Staff, Lt Colonel Tukur Buratai; Deputy Governor of Bauchi state, Engr Nuhu Gidado; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok; Retired Chiefs of The Air Staff; Fmr Chief of Defence Staff.
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