President Bola Tinubu has praised the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for 60 years of service, sacrifice and patriotism.
Speaking at the Ceremonial Parade marking the 60th Anniversary of NAF on Saturday in Kaduna, Tinubu said his administration is committed to prioritising national security and the welfare of the Nigerian armed forces.
The President who was represented by Kashim Shettima, hi vice, said his administration will continue to “stand with the armed forces through challenges, triumphs, and grief, not as repayment but as an assurance of the nation’s unwavering support.”
“I bear with me today the gratitude of a nation that has watched your transformation into a formidable and resilient organisation, vigilant of the dynamics and complexities of security threats within and outside our borders for this long.
“The Nigerian Airforce has made a significant mark on the international scene in our efforts to ensuring subregional peace and security.
“This achievement fills us with a sense of pride and optimism in our projections of your capabilities and beliefs in your contributions to protecting lives and property through the deployment of air power.
“Therefore, I congratulate the Chief of the Air Staff, officers, Air men and women and civilian staff of the Nigerian Air Force
“We stand with you in your times of need, triumph, and grief”, the President said.
Tinubu who noted that development cannot be guaranteed without a secure nation, is a top priority of his administration “because we can never guarantee the development we have proposed unless each part of this great nation is secure.”
He said, “This is why we have continued to support the modernisation efforts of our armed forces to address national and sub-regional security challenges”.
The President said, to address national and sub-regional security challenges, his administration has made substantial investments in procuring state-of-the-art multi-role combat aircraft, attack helicopters, sensors, and equipment to enhance the NAF’s capabilities.
He said the combat aircrafts acquired, include Beechcraft King Air 360 aircraft, Diamond 62 surveillance aircraft, T-129 ATAK helicopters, Agusta 109 trekker multi-role helicopters, and M-346 attack aircraft which are aimed at boosting the nation’s combat and airlift capabilities.
He called for a “Whole-of-Society” approach to tackling Nigeria’s security challenges, even as he acknowledged that socio-economic factors contribute to security challenges.
Tinubu expressed optimism that the economic hardship facing the country will soon be over and the country will bounce on sound economic footing..
“We are confident that this temporary sacrifice will come to an end soon, and the country will be on the sound economic footing we have promised the nation,” he said.
The President also paid tribute to the surviving members of the first set of pioneer NAF personnel, veterans, and fallen comrades and commended them for their bravery, commitment, and service to the nation.
Aligning with the event’s theme, “Nigerian Air Force at 60: Leveraging Strategic Partnerships in Aerospace Innovations for Regional Security,” the President welcomed the participation of various partners and air forces from around the world, particularly from Africa.
He stresses the need for collaboration and developing partnerships with friends and allies to collectively address shared threats in the sub-region and beyond.
