The federal government has pledged commitment to prioritising national security and the welfare of the armed forces.
President Bola Tinubu also committed to standing with the armed forces through challenges, triumphs and grief, not as repayment but as an assurance of the nation’s unwavering support.
Speaking yesterday on behalf of the president at the ceremonial parade to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Kaduna, Vice President Kashim Shettima in a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, hailed the NAF’s six decades of service, sacrifice and patriotism.
“I bear with me today the gratitude of a nation that has watched your transformation into a formidable and resilient organisation, vigilant of the dynamics and complexities of security threats within and outside our borders for this long”, he said.
The president praised the critical role played by the Nigerian Air Force in maintaining regional and sub-regional peace and security, expressing pride in the institution’s formidable and resilient transformation over the years.
He congratulated the Chief of the Air Staff, officers, airmen, airwomen and the civilian staff for sustaining the culture of service on the Diamond Jubilee Anniversary, saying; “We stand with you in your times of need, triumph, and grief”.
The president reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising security, noting that development cannot be guaranteed without a secure nation.
“In my inaugural address a year ago, I noted that security would be the top priority of my administration because we can never guarantee the development we have proposed unless each part of this great nation is secure. This is why we have continued to support the modernization efforts of our Armed Forces to address national and sub-regional security challenges”, he declared.
To address national and sub-regional security challenges, President Tinubu disclosed his administration’s substantial investments in procuring state-of-the-art multi-role combat aircraft, attack helicopters, sensors, and equipment to enhance the Nigerian Air Force’s capabilities.
The president called for a Whole-of-Society approach to tackling Nigeria’s security challenges, even as he acknowledged the socio-economic factors contributing to security challenges.
Earlier, a representative of Courses 37 and 38 of the Nigerian Air Force who retired from the force recently, Air Vice Marshall Charles Ohwo, recalled with nostalgia, the moment they were enrolled into the force about 38 years ago”.
