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NAF@60: CAS unveils multiple welfare projects in Abuja
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has unveiled 15 viable infrastructure projects in Abuja, to improve personnel welfare and enhance the operational capabilities of the Service.
The projects were inaugurated as part of the activities to commemorate the 60th Anniversary Celebration of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
This is contained in a statement by AVM Edward Gabkwet, the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Gabkwet listed some of the key projects located at NAF Base, Asokoro, to include a 40-bed NAF Hospital, sports complex, NAF Microfinance Bank, fire bay, and a 56-shop market plaza.
He said that the CAS also inaugurated the NAF Airmen Mini Base in Karu; Officers Quarters in Garki and Karimu, a 6-floor new NAF Headquarters Annex Building at Gudu and a brand new state-of-the-art Airport Commandant’s office at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The CAS, he said, also conducted the groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed NAF Centre of Excellence Complex situated at Bill Clinton Drive, along the Airport Road.
According to Gabkwet, the Centre will house the Institute of Airpower Studies; Air Force War College, Air Warfare Centre, and Air to Ground Integration School.
“It is envisaged that when completed, the centre would offer first-rate air power education and learning as well as foster innovation in air power doctrinal development.
The statement Abubakar as saying that NAF has been struggling with housing shortage due to its expanded force structure, adding that the challenge was being tackled head-on by his leadership.
He emphasised that the initiatives had fulfilled a key element of his command philosophy, which is “maintaining a highly motivated force by enhancing welfare and infrastructural renewal”.
The CAS said it was imperative for NAF to properly claim and secure all its properties, stressing that the NAF’s resolve to safeguard its assets and reclaim encroached lands would assist in creating space for future operational facilities and accommodations for its growing workforce.
According to him, as the NAF celebrates its 60th anniversary, the unveiling of these projects aligns with his transformative agenda to reposition the force for continued growth and development, while also serving as a fitting tribute to NAF’s six decades of service and sacrifice.
“These advancements not only bolster the NAF’s operational capabilities but also significantly elevate the welfare of its personnel, ensuring the force is well-prepared to confront future challenges,” he said.
Abubakar urged NAF personnel to make the most of those facilities and expressed gratitude to the President Bola Tinubu, for his unwavering support. (NAN)
Another explosion occurred at a pipeline manifold in the Omwawriwa area of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State on Tuesday.
This incident follows a similar explosion that shook the Trans Niger Pipeline, operated by Shell, in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area just hours earlier.
The latest explosion reportedly took place at a manifold connected to a federal pipeline deep within the forest, which transports crude oil to Brass in Bayelsa State.
While the explosion has not yet been officially confirmed, community sources reported seeing massive flames and thick smoke rising from the oil installation in the forest.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, stated that she would investigate the incident but had not provided a response at the time of this report.
A video obtained by our correspondent displays a large fire burning in a remote location.
In a separate development, Ijaw youths blocked the Ahoada section of the East-West Road leading to Bayelsa State on Tuesday in protest.
The demonstrators, numbering over 100, carried placards in solidarity with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara amid his political dispute with the state House of Assembly. Some of the placards read: “We demand Wike’s dismissal as FCT Minister” and “Martin Amaewhule and 26 lawmakers have defected and lost their seats.
The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed the four tax reform bills transmitted to the National Assembly in October 2024 by President Bola Tinubu.
Recall that the House had on Thursday last week, considered and approved the report of the House Committee on Finance which made some recommendations, particularly in controversial areas such as the Value Added Tax and inheritance tax.
While awaiting the Senate to similarly pass the bills, the proposed reforms are expected to be transmitted to the President for his assent in the days ahead.
Details shortly…
Two members of the house of representatives have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house, announced the defections in a letter read on the floor of the lower legislative chamber on Tuesday.
More to follow…