Interior minister hails NAF contributions to national peace

Anniversary

By Mohammad Tijjani

Kaduna, May 4. 2018(NAN) The Minister of Interior, Lt.- Gen Abdulrahaman Dambazau (Rtd),  on Friday hailed the massive contributions of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to national and international peace in its 54 years of existence.

Dambazau made the remarks in Kaduna during the unveiling of NAF historical photo gallery, as part of the 54th anniversary celebrations of the air force.

 The News Agency of Nigeria report that Dambazau was represented by Dr Muhammad Umar,  the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior.

“The 54th anniversary is significant in the history of NAF, considering that the Air Force has evolved from its fledgling civil war structure to a more robust air force as we know it to be today.

“The NAF has come of age having projected Nigeria’s image both within and outside the country, through participation in regional and sub-regional peace operations.

“These experiences gained in more than five decades have certainly enhanced the development of the Nigeria Air Force.

The minister observed that the NAF historical gallery would serves as a source of inspiration and motivation for present and future personnel of the service.

He added that the gallery would help remind Nigerians of the enormous sacrifices of those who served in the air force and inspire those serving or intend to serve the nation.

Dambazau expressed happiness over the consistent intervention of the Federal Government in improving professionalism of the armed forces, which helped in decimating insurgents in the country.

“Training activities within the armed forces have improved tremendously while provision of modern equipment and motivation of personnel through enhanced welfare is being given the desired attention.”

According to him, the federal government will continue to support the armed forces in their quest to meet constitutional demands of protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Earlier, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal, Sadiq Abubakar, said NAF had undergone a lot of transformation since inception in 1964 and had taken part in several operations in defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

“NAF has also evolved from it humble beginning as the  “One -Base Service ” when it started out on this base at the heart of Kaduna where the 54 anniversary is taking place, to a multi -base institution with presence in over 25 locations across all the geopolitical zone of the country.”

Abubakar said the expansion of the NAF has been driven primarily by evolving contemporary national security challenges.(NAN)

TJ/MZA

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed