By Linus Aleke, Abuja
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), said that it has concluded arrangements to host no fewer than thirty Air Forces and ten Chief of Air Staffs, at its 60th Anniversary Celebration, billed to hold between 23rd and 25th May 2024, in Abuja and Kaduna respectively.
The Service also said that it will be the unveiling its newly licensed NAF Micro Finance Bank as well as the commissioning of several projects completed by the current leadership of the NAF in Abuja, during the celebration.
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Chairman, Organizing Committe, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Sixtieth Anniversary Celebration, Air Vice Marshal Michael Ekweme, made this disclosure, while briefing the press on activities lined up to commemorate the diamond jubilee.
AVM Ekweme, said that the august visitors will participate in the Third African Air Forces Forum, Conference, and Exhibition, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
He further disclosed that DICON will be leading Nigerian military industrial complex, made up of several local defence equipment manufacturers such as EPAIL, a local manufacturer of ballistic vests, helmets and armoured vehicles, to exhibit during the conference.
He said: “We are expecting over 2,000 participants at the Conference and exhibition, over 30 air forces and 10 chiefs of air staff, 40 exhibitors including major defence and aerospace players such as Airbus, Embraer, Diamond Aircraft, HAVELSAN, Jet Aviation, and of course our own DICON”.
Other activities, he said include, “medical outreaches to various host communities tomorrow Wednesday 15 May, 2024; followed by Juma’at prayers on Friday 17 May, 2024 in all NAF units. On Saturday, 18 May, 2024, there will be an outreach by the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) in Abuja. Due to the emphasis on R&D in the NAF, there will be an Inter-Command Research and Development Competition on the same Saturday 18 May, 2024 here in Abuja. You will witness innovative solutions and projects undertaken and supported by the NAF leadership led by Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar. There will also be a Golf Kitty on Saturday 18 May 2024 at NAF Base Bill Clinton Drive Abuja”.
He added that there will also be an Inter Denominational Church Service on 19 May, 2024 in all NAF bases.
AVM Ekweme, said: “This year, the NAF will be celebrating its 60 years of existence. This Diamond jubilee anniversary is not only a time for celebration but also a moment for deep reflection on our accomplishments, challenges and charting the way forward. Throughout our rich history, the NAF has overcome numerous obstacles, adapted to evolving threats and subsequently emerged stronger and more resilient. There is no doubt that the Service has grown over the years into a formidable and respected force within the African continent and beyond. The NAF has continued to fulfil its mandate of securing the territorial integrity of our dear nation through effective application of air power. It is pertinent to note that the NAF has made appreciable progress and significant contributions in the areas of internal security, humanitarian assistance, peace-keeping operations, as well as restoration and sustenance of democracy in the African continent. The Service has also made giant strides in the area of Research & Development. It is only rational therefore, to celebrate its existence as well as the laudable achievements of the past six decades”.
The theme of the celebration, he said is “Nigerian Air Force at 60: Leveraging Strategic Partnerships in Aerospace Innovations for Regional Security”.
This, according to him is in line with one of the key enablers of the Chief of the Air Staff’s Command Philosophy which is prioritising research and development, leveraging cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships.
“This year’s theme is aimed at building on partnerships to address contemporary security challenges not only in the country, but across the African region,” he concluded.
