By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says at 61, it is celebrating years of dedication to duty and unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty.

Air Commodore Sylvester Eyoma, Chairman, Organising Committee, NAF@61 Celebration/4th International Air Force Forum, said this in Abuja, while briefing newsmen on the activities lined up for the celebration.

Eyoma said that NAF had, in its more than its 61 years of existence, undergone significant transformation in its organisation, manning, and equipment holding.

He noted that the transformation had tremendously bolstered the capacity of the service to effectively deliver on its constitutional mandates.

According to him, NAF has been at the forefront of efforts to combat insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and other criminal acts across the nation.

“Through precision air strikes, coordinated operations, and advanced surveillance, we have recorded significant operational successes.

“These have contributed to weakening terrorists’ networks, disrupting their logistics, and supporting ongoing efforts of own troops and other security agencies in tackling the myriads of security challenges bedevilling our nation.

“Therefore, today, we are celebrating 61 years of dedication to duty and unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty,” he said.

Eyoma said the theme, “Optimising Civil-Military Relations in a Joint Operational Environment for Enhanced Air Operations” was in recognition of the citizenry as worthy partner in the efforts to secure the country.

He said that several activities had been lined up for the celebration, adding that some were already ongoing, starting with the Chief of the Air Staff’s Literary Competition, which was opened from between Feb. 10 and 22.

According to him, part of the anniversary events is the Open Day Visits and Career talks that have been held across NAF bases from May 1 and will terminate tomorrow (Tuesday).

He said this had provided rare opportunities for members of the public to visit NAF bases, interact with NAF personnel and get to know more about their air force.

Eyoma added that some Quick Impact Projects would be inaugurated across NAF operations theatre.

“One of the projects is a clinic that has been constructed in Rukubi Community in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, where some civilians lost their lives in January 2023, due to an unfortunate airstrike,” he said.

Eyoma disclosed that the Augusta 109S Trekker Helicopter would also be inducted by President Bola Tinubu at the 011 Presidential Air Fleet on Friday as part of the NAF@61 celebration.

He said that the anniversary celebration would transit to the 4th African Air Forces Forum, which according to him, will present an opportunity to build on the progress made so far in furtherance of regional security cooperation.

“It is intended to strengthen our collaborative efforts in employing advanced aerospace technologies to bolster our capacities to address national and regional security challenges.

“The theme of the Fourth African Air Forces Forum is: ‘Strengthening Collaborations in Advanced Aerospace Technologies for Enhanced National and Regional Security”.

“For this high-profile event, there will be a gathering of air force chiefs, defense experts, and industry leaders from across Africa and beyond to discuss advancements in air power and regional security cooperation.

“We are expecting more than 2,000 participants at the conference and exhibitions that are scheduled for May 22 and 23.

“They include 30 air forces and 12 chiefs of air staff, 45 exhibitors as well as major defence and aerospace players like Airbus, Embraer, Diamond Aircraft, HAVELSAN, Jet Aviation.

“Others are Starlite Aviation Group, Proforce and of course our own Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is to revise its policies to better accommodate and empower female drivers across the country.

Speaking at the maiden edition of the “Women on Wheels” summit on Tuesday in Abuja, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, described the initiative as a transformative platform for promoting gender inclusion, skill development and safety.

The corps marshal was represented by the Deputy Corps Marshal (DCM) in charge of Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS), Mr Clement Oladele.

He said that the recent evaluations revealed that the Road Transport Safety Standardisation Scheme (RTSSS), used for training and certifying haulage and fleet operators, had previously made no tailored provision for women.

This, he said was a gap the corps was now addressing.

“Considering the importance of women in the society being the primary source of the socialisation process for children and families, the inculcation of safe driving habits and safe road use to them becomes crucial.

“It is notable that as at January 2025, there are 1,225,704 licensed female drivers in Nigeria. When unlicensed female drivers are added, the figures will undoubtedly be much more.

“As you are all aware that Road Traffic Injuries are leading cause of deaths among young people aged five to 29 years (these are our sons and daughters).

“What future does the country have, if our youths are wasted on the highway in their prime through mishaps that could have been avoided?

“We are, therefore, reviewing the policy document for inclusivity. There is the need for formal training and licensing,” he said.

Mohammed said that the corps was concerned that many women still prefer informal training from spouses or relatives, rather than enrolling in certified driving schools under the Driving School Standardisation Programme (DSSP).

He said “this does not ensure comprehensive understanding of safety. We urge women to attend certified driving schools and become fully trained.

“Women on Wheels” is more than a programme – it is a movement. It is about empowering women to take control of their journey, to challenge outdated norms and to contribute meaningfully to road safety, transportation and national development.

“It is my fervent hope that this initiative will not end here. “Women on Wheels” will now become an annual programme, providing consistent support, training, and recognition for women in mobility across Nigeria.

“The corps remains committed to supporting and licensing qualified female drivers. The Federal Road Safety has developed standard curriculum for all driving,” he said.

The corps marshal said that FRSC has already recruited female drivers into its operational team and encouraged more women to see driving as a dignified and promising vocation.

He assured that the outcomes of the programme would be reviewed for potential adoption in future FRSC policy decisions.

“Women are naturally careful and responsible on the road. This initiative is a step toward positioning them not just as drivers but as leaders in transportation and road safety,” he added.

In her remarks, the President of the Road Safety Officers Wives Association (ROSOWA), Dr Nafisat Shehu-Mohammed, announced plans to take its “Women on Wheels” programme to the grassroots.

This, she said, would be part of efforts to reach more women with road safety education and empowerment.

She emphasised the need to extend the programme beyond urban centres to ensure rural women benefit from the campaign.

She added that sensitising grassroots women would help improve awareness of road safety, licensing requirements, and driving skills, particularly among those who have not undergone formal training.

“We’re just kicking off in Abuja, but in the near future we intend to hold it twice a year and take it to the grassroots.

“Many women in rural areas do not have access to phones or digital platforms. Reaching them directly is vital, because that is where the masses are,” she said.

In her goodwill message, President, National Council of Women’s Societies, (NCWS), Mrs Ednah Azura, expressed its commitment to expand the reach of the “Women on Wheels” initiative through nationwide mobilisation and advocacy.

Azura described the event as a landmark step toward empowering Nigerian women, especially in the transport and road safety sectors.

“As the umbrella body of all women’s organisations in Nigeria, we see this as a model initiative. With what ROSOWA has done, our job now is to focus on mass mobilisation.

“We’ll take this message to every part of the country and ensure it is heard even at the global level,” she said.

She urged women to become more informed and proactive in areas beyond mobility, including politics and self-representation during elections.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the “Women on Wheels” campaign, initiated by ROSOWA in collaboration with the Corps Transport Safety Office (CTSO) of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), seeks to reduce the number of unlicensed and untrained female drivers on Nigerian roads.

This would be done through advocacy, training, and support programmes. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Sadiya Hamza

By Patience Aliyu

The 19 Northern governors, in collaboration with Chairmen of the Northern States Traditional Rulers Council, have called for accelerated action in tackling the region’s security challenges.

The northern leaders made the call in a six-point communique issued at the end of a meeting at the instance of the Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF), in Kaduna.

The NGF, which acknowledged the role of non-partisan cooperation and collaboration in addressing the numerous developmental challenges confronting the north, deliberated on the ways to improve on the security apparatus of the region and Nigeria at large.

After exhaustive deliberations on matters of regional interest, with emphasis on security, the forum released the following communique:

“The Forum commends Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his sustained commitment to addressing the security challenges and infrastructure deficits in Northern Nigeria.

“The Forum resolved to liaise with the Nigerian Governors Forum to work out modalities on how to increase support to the Federal Security Agencies.”

According to the NGF, the meeting also decided to strengthen peculiar local initiatives in combating all forms of security challenges.

“The Forum also resolved to urgently set up inter-state platforms to coordinate surveillance on our joint borders.

“The Forum reiterated its support for the creation of State Police and called on the National Assembly to expedite action on the enactment of the legal framework for its take-off,” it stated.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Forum’s next meeting is scheduled to hold on Aug. 30. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

By Desmond Ejibas

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has urged Nigerians, particularly youths from the South-West and South-East regions, to consider joining the nation’s armed forces to promote national unity and inclusivity.

Group Capt. Abdulafeez Opaleye, Commander of the 115 Operations Group, NAF Port Harcourt, made the appeal on Tuesday during a maiden Open Day event organised to mark the 2025 NAF Day celebration.

Opaleye expressed concern over the low representation of youths from the southern regions in the military, noting that their inclusion would enhance diversity and strengthen national cohesion.

According to him, the armed forces symbolise unity which every Nigerian, irrespective of regional or ethnic background, has a role to play in the defence of the nation.

“It is concerning that Nigerians from the southern part of the country have not been presenting themselves to join the military, as they should.

“The military, including the Air Force, belongs to every Nigerian. Therefore, all citizens have a stake in ensuring the success of the nation’s armed forces,” he said.

Opaleye noted that declining enlistment figures were among the reasons the NAF organised its first Open Day, giving members of the public the opportunity to tour its facilities and observe its capabilities.

“Today, we have opened our base to over 1,000 guests to experience what the NAF represents. The NAF is the people’s Air Force.

“We, therefore, encourage southern youths to take advantage of these opportunities to become part of the Nigerian Air Force,” he urged.

The air force commander explained that the Open Day initiative was designed to strengthen civil-military relations and promote a better understanding of the NAF’s role in defending the nation.

He stated that the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, had repositioned NAF as a modern and capable force, equipped to defend Nigeria’s airspace.

Opaleye further explained that the Air Force was currently engaged in joint operations across various regions, including the North-West, North-East, North-Central, and South-East.

“The NAF possesses the requisite capabilities, manpower, and training to effectively fulfil its constitutional mandate in defending Nigeria’s airspace.

“Recently, we winged 35 new pilots in Kaduna, significantly enhancing our operational capacity and serving as a morale booster in joint operations,” he added.

On illegal bunkering, Opaleye reported a decline in oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta region, attributing the progress to joint security efforts supported by air operations.

He noted that the difficult terrain of the Niger Delta, including swamps, creeks, and mangroves, often posed significant difficulties for ground forces to navigate and access.

“In areas where the Army, Navy, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Police cannot access, the NAF is able to reach those places.

“Nigerians might not see NAF personnel on the ground, but our operations create an enabling environment for ground forces to carry out their duties effectively,” Opaleye concluded.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Open Day featured a display of four helicopter gunships, weapon systems, and arial manoeuvres. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka