The Chief of Air Staff(CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has said patriotism will enable them to defeat terrorism and insurgency in the country.
Abubakar stated this at the graduation of 432 officers, Airmen/Airwomen of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Sundry Military Courses on Wednesday in Kaduna.
He said, “It is the knowledge you have acquired, along with your adherence to our core values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do, that will enable us to defeat terrorism and insurgency.
”This will make Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda a living reality for all Nigerians.
“Attending ceremonies like these are always deeply gratifying, as they reaffirm the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to technical education.
”It is as a crucial tool in fulfilling its constitutional mandate of ensuring the integrity of the Nigerian airspace for the safety, security, and well-being of all Nigerian citizens.
“We are very proud of the work you do here, and we recognize the top quality of human capital development that this institution delivers, not just for Nigeria but also for allied African countries.”
Abubakar said that AFIT’s dedication has ensured the Nigerian Air Force to remain equipped to tackle emerging challenges, fostering self-sufficiency in critical training areas and eliminating the need for foreign training.
According to him, this achievement not only boosts operational efficiency but also conserves scarce foreign exchange for the Nigerian Air Force in particular and the nation in general.
He said, “It is reassuring to see transition towards practical oriented learning, marking a significant departure from traditional theoretical approaches.”
Abubakar disclosed that between October 2023 and now, the Nigerian Air Force had inducted 12 brand new aircraft including 4 x Diamond 62 surveillance aircraft, 2 x King Air 360 light transport aircraft and 4 x T-129 ATAK helicopters as well as 2 x AW109 Trekker.
He stated, “Pending acquisitions on the horizon include 3 x CASA-295 medium airlift/surveillance aircraft, 10 x AW 109 Trekker, 12 x AH-1Z attack helicopters, and 24 x M-346 attack aircraft.”
Abubakar added that the Nigerian Air Force would take additional delivery of 50 brand new aircraft between December this year and 2026.
“This is a remarkable feat which we have not witnessed in a very long while.
“Indeed, these are very exciting times, and we owe a debt of gratitude to God Almighty for allowing us witness this new era, “he said.
Abubakar appreciated President Bola Tinibu for committing huge financial resources towards expanding the ‘Nigerian Air Force Order of Battle’ in spite of economic challenges and competing national demands.
He said that the Nigerian Air Force has embraced a predictive maintenance culture across all its engineering and maintenance units.
Abubakar said, “We have introduced several measures to enhance overall platform serviceability, including the timely provision of critical spares, consumables, up-to-date technical publications, ground support equipment, tools, and specialised equipment.
“I am pleased to state that we have maintained an average serviceability rate of about 68 per cent.
”Our goal is to surpass 90 percent serviceability across all platforms, and you graduands will play a critical role in realizing this objective.”
He said his leadership has focused on leveraging cutting-edge technology and advancing indigenous military manufacturing through Research and Development.
“We are currently partnering with UA Vision of Portugal to operationalize the TSAIGUMI UAV in Nigeria.
“I have also directed the creation of a database for Nigerian Air Force personnel interested in Research and Development, and many have already shown keen interest.
“Dear graduates, you are rejoining the mainstream of the Nigerian Air Force at a pivotal time when the call for a technological revolution within the Service has never been louder, “he said.
Abubakar said the arrival of these new-generation aircraft, with highly sophisticated systems demands nothing less than the best from their technicians and engineers.
Earlier, the Commandant, AFIT, AVM Sani Rabe, extolled the expansion of AFIT and the modification of its mandate.
He said the Institute has remained focused on its primary role of producing quality technical manpower for NAF.
According to him, meeting the skilled manpower requirements of NAF, therefore, remains paramount in AFIT’s endeavour in spite of its expanded mandate.
” It is in fulfillment of this task that today we are graduating 25 officers who have completed their Initial Officers’ Course.
”There are also 407 airmen/airwomen who have completed various Basic Intermediate and Advanced Upgrading courses,” Rabe said.
He appreciated the CAS for continuously and promptly approving the release of funds required for the training as well as the course allowances for the personnel on training.
NAN
