In a momentous assembly of high-ranking commanders within the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), including branch heads, directors, commandants, and air component commanders, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, emphasized the monumental responsibility entrusted to members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
According to Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Air Marshal Abubakar underscored the significance of ensuring the safety and welfare of all Nigerians. He conveyed that “So much is expected of us by the Nigerian people in ensuring we clear all areas of criminals and their tendencies. Therefore, we cannot afford to let Nigerians down.”
The CAS’s remarks were made during a meeting held earlier today with key appointees, commanders, commandants, and air component commanders of the NAF. He urged them to use this gathering to develop strategies that would enhance NAF’s operational effectiveness, logistics support systems, and maintenance practices. Furthermore, the CAS stressed the importance of maintaining the serviceability of air assets to maximize their utilization in joint operations, thus increasing airpower capabilities.
During his address, Air Marshal Abubakar also highlighted that the NAF has begun receiving additional air assets acquired by the Federal Government. Recently, the NAF took delivery of the final two Diamond-62 Multi-Purpose Platform aircraft in a ceremony held in Ilorin, Kwara State. The CAS revealed that the NAF would soon be inducting other new platforms, which are expected to significantly bolster NAF operations in combating insurgents, terrorists, and other criminal elements afflicting the nation.
The CAS expressed his deep appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering support in addressing the operational, training, and welfare requirements of the NAF. He assured the President and all Nigerians of the NAF’s steadfast commitment to collaborate wholeheartedly with other security agencies to fulfill its mandate of ensuring a safe, secure, united, and prosperous nation.
Earlier in the meeting, the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Sayo Olatunde, emphasized the role of senior officers as not only commanders or commandants but also as leaders, managers, and mentors to their subordinates. He emphasized that “Command confers on you the authority and responsibility to effectively utilize available resources and to plan, organize, direct, coordinate, and control your forces for the accomplishment of assigned tasks. It also means you are responsible for the health, welfare, morale, and discipline of your personnel.” Air Vice Marshal Olatunde encouraged commanders to provide purpose, direction, and motivation to their personnel and to remain open to new ideas that enhance their capacity in command responsibility.
Over the course of the two-day meeting, participants will engage in lectures on unit administration, command responsibilities, CAS command philosophy, and a comprehensive review of ongoing counterinsurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
