By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, says the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has over the years, attained a higher level of air power precision in the conduct of its operations.
Amao, who was represented by the Chief of Aircraft Engineering, NAF Headquarters, AVM Muhammed Yakubu, said this at the Juma’at Prayer in commemoration of the 59th Anniversary and 2023 NAF Day Celebration in Abuja.
He said the officers, airmen and airwomen were grateful to the Almighty for the journey so far, saying it was a milestone to celebrate 59 years.
“We are happy and we believe that we have come a long way and we are still going far.
“Today we are where we have precision guided munitions, where we can even sit somewhere in the comfort of a room with air conditioner and see the enemy and destroy him from where we are sitting without having to go there.
“So, it is a journey that we have come very far but we are still moving.
“With technology we are getting to do a better job and we are only here to celebrate what we have achieved so far.
“We say for us, we can assure the nation that it is a motion only forward.
“We will keep moving and we keep improving our means and ability to fight to defend the nation,” he said.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, who also prayed at the Air Force Base Mosque, commended the NAF for its commitment to defending the nation.
Yahaya said he was at the mosque to celebrate with the air force being a sister service that had been a committed partner in the ongoing operations across the country.
He prayed for the wellness of the service and as well as the armed forces and the country in general.
The COAS used the opportunity to send goodwill message to NAF on its 59th anniversary, being a spectacular partner to Nigerian Army in all its operations and activities.
“Nigerian Air Force has done everything for us. We have no complaint, we have no issues because there is no time we call for the air support that they have not provided and they have been key in our operational success along with the Nigerian Navy and other stakeholders.
“So any opportunity we have to appreciate the Nigerian Air Force we will seize it and that is why I am seizing this opportunity to congratulate the NAF on its anniversary and pray that God is infinitely to grant them and all of our success.
“So, congratulations, Nigerian Air Force,” he said.
The Imam and Director of Islamic Affairs, NAF, Air Commodore Luqman Lawal, said that NAF had come a long way, hence the need to roll out drums and celebrate its achievements.
Lawal said the NAF Day 2023 had commenced with prayers in the mosque and would continue in the church on Sunday, adding that the military believed in God for guidance and protection.
He said the importance of prayer could not be over-emphasised, quoting a verse in the Quran that says “it is a natural law that no victory will be achieved except from God”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chioma Ugboma
