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1,190 Air Force recruits to pass out Saturday – NAF
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has said no fewer than 1, 190 recruits are expected to pass out on Saturday.
The Commandant, Military Training Centre (MTC), Air Commodore Hadi Ahmed, made the disclosure at the Beating of the Retreat in honour of Basic Military Training Course 44/2023, on Thursday at NAF Base, Kaduna.
Ahmed said, “The training of recruits in MTC is in line with one of the key drivers of the Chief of Air Staff Command Philosophy, which is “Deliberate Training and Mission-oriented Force development”.
According to him, the training is prioritised with emphasis on six key objectives which included; physical fitness, mental alertness, weapon handling, field training, discipline, regimentation and team-work through intensive drills.
Others were: Quality and timely provision of food as well as ensuring a clean, functional living environment, appropriate service knowledge, internal security duties and dangers of drug abuse.
Ahmed appreciated the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, for his timely intervention in providing the resources to meet our training efforts and aspirations.
The Air Officer Commanding (AOC) , Ground Training Command , AVM Usman Abdullahi, who is the Guest of Honour at the occasion said ‘beating of retreat’ marked the end of formal training for the recruits of the course.
He said , “This tradition dates back to the 16th century in England, where it signaled the end of the day’s fighting and called troops back to the castle.
”The Nigerian military use the occasion to reward trainees who distinguished themselves during the training session.
” Your training has been rigorous and challenging, covering both academics and outdoor tactical exercises.
“The Nigerian Air Force has incorporated contemporary asymmetric warfare into its training syllabus, preparing you for the complexities of modern warfare.”
Abdullahi urged the recruits to move forward, remembering that loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and subordination to civil authority were paramount.
He added, ”Always prioritise national and service interests ahead of personal interests, and be prepared to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity at all costs.
”Uphold the NAF values excellence, and I encourage you to strive for professional excellence throughout your careers.
”As you leave the training ground in a few days, remember to be good ambassadors of the MTC.
Abdullajhi changed them to embody the culture of discipline and responsibility, and avoid reckless use of equipment and resources.
He said, ”To those who received prizes, I offer my congratulations. Continue to develop your potential and strive for excellence.
”To those who didn’t receive prizes, don’t be discouraged; you have already achieved so much by completing this course.
”Keep up the good work so as to make NAF a shining example in the sub region.” (NAN)
In a startling turn of events, a video has surfaced online showing a group of armed bandits conducting Eid prayers deep within the forests of Kaduna State, Nigeria.
The footage, which has sparked widespread alarm, was shared by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama on his account on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
According to reports, the armed groups gathered in at least two distinct locations Maidaro, Sabon Birni, and East Kaduna, within the Dogon Dawa Forest.
The bandits armed with a variety of sophisticated weapons. In addition to carrying automatic rifles, the bandits were seen equipped with drones and mobile phones, suggesting an alarming level of coordination and access to technology.
Security analysts, including Makama, have expressed deep concern over the implications of this gathering. Tagging both the Nigerian Army and the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in his post, Makama emphasised the urgent need for strategic countermeasures against these criminal elements.
The National Youth Vanguard of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected allegations made by Honourable Aminu Sani Jaji, who accused the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, of orchestrating claims of anti-party activities against him.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Adeniyi Wale, described Jaji’s accusations as “baseless” and an attempt to distract from his own political manoeuvres.
“Jaji has long positioned himself as a loyal APC member and a unifying force within the party, but his actions suggest otherwise. His political moves appear more self-serving than focused on party unity,” Wale said.
The APC Vanguard emphasised that Nigerians deserve transparent and accountable leaders rather than those who, it said, manipulate public trust for personal gain. The group also questioned Jaji’s credibility, citing what it described as a pattern of inconsistency in his political engagements.
“The remarks made by Jaji not only lack substantiation but also raise concerns about his reliability and judgment,” the statement read. “Leadership is not merely about holding a position of power; it is about demonstrating qualities that inspire trust and confidence among the people.”
The group commended Minister Matawalle for his efforts in strengthening national security and promoting peace. It said his leadership had contributed significantly to fostering unity and improving community relations across the country.
“Minister Matawalle exemplifies the qualities of effective leadership. Under his stewardship, significant progress has been made in enhancing national security and community relations,” the statement said.
The APC Vanguard further criticised Jaji’s leadership approach, accusing him of lacking the foresight and responsibility required for credible governance.
“This pattern of inconsistency not only weakens the integrity of his decisions but also erodes the confidence of party members and stakeholders who seek dependable representation,” Wale added.
The group reaffirmed its support for Matawalle and urged APC members to remain focused on unity and national progress while rejecting divisive rhetoric that could undermine the party’s strength.
News
Two brothers Launch Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, Sponsor WAEC Registration For 50 vulnerable Students
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
In a significant effort to promote education, two brothers have launched the Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, sponsoring the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) registration for 50 vulnerable students in Kamaru Ikulu Ward, Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, Yusuf Ismail Ashafa, popularly known as Sardaunan Ikulu, urged the beneficiaries to remain dedicated to their studies and strive for academic excellence. He assured them that the foundation would continue to support outstanding students by facilitating their admission into higher institutions.
Ashafa also called on parents to play an active role in motivating their children to focus on education, emphasizing that their success would contribute to a brighter future for the community.
Meanwhile, Ashafa, who played a crucial role in the emergence of Engr. Bege Gaiya Joseph as the Executive Chairman of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area, expressed deep appreciation for Joseph and his brother, Reuben Richman Bissla, for sponsoring the students’ WAEC registration in his honor.
He pledged to build on these efforts, ensuring continued support for students’ education as a means of fostering societal development.
In his remarks, the co-sponsor, Engr. Joseph Bege Gaiya, popularly known as Lordbeckson, disclosed that the initiative was aimed at improving the education of the most vulnerable students for the betterment of society.
“I am one of the beneficiaries of the goodwill of Sardaunan Ikulu. If he had wanted to become the Council Chairman, he would have been, but he decided to push me forward, and today I am the Council Chairman through his mentorship,” he stated.
He urged the beneficiaries to consider themselves fortunate and to take full advantage of the opportunity by studying hard to achieve excellent results.
“With the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, we must ensure that our students pursue science courses. We cannot afford to have a Federal University in our region and yet have our children unable to gain admission to study science-related fields,” he added.
The initiative has been widely commended as a timely intervention, helping underprivileged students overcome financial barriers to education.