President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Kano said Nigeria would surely overcome all the security challenges evident in the country within the shortest possible time.
The president also commended the role of the Minister of Defense, the chief of the defense staff, and all the service chiefs as well as the leadership of the security agencies for a job well done. President Buhari encouraged them to “remain steadfast as we forge ahead to achieving a secure, peaceful and more prosperous Nigeria.”
Speaking at the ceremonial parade to commemorate its 58th anniversary, the President said the Air Force had transformed into a formidable entity, ready to confront immediate and future challenges. He praised the Nigerian Air Force for living up to its constitutional responsibilities of securing the nation, and in the process, justifying the investments of the government of the day in the force.
“This adaptability has thus enabled the service to respond effectively to our dynamic national security challenges. The Nigerian Air Force has been able to meet its constitutional responsibilities thereby justifying the government’s enormous support in the last seven years.
“I, therefore, congratulate the chief of the air staff, officers and airmen/airwomen as well as civilian staff of the Nigerian Air Force on this occasion of the 58th anniversary,” the President added. He noted that on the assumption of office in 2005, he “promised to equip and re-professionalize our armed forces to perform their constitutional duties effectively.
“We have therefore demonstrated the required political will and leadership as well as committed resources towards capacity building and re-professionalizing of the armed forces.
“Today, I can say confidently that the armed forces have indeed witnessed tremendous improvement in the past seven years. In particular, the provision of modern equipment and personnel motivation through enhanced welfare are also ongoing.“The provision of modern equipment and personnel motivation” like the Super Tucanos and the Augusta helicopter gunships among others, had greatly helped turn the tide in the fight against terrorists and other non-state actors, and sustained the Nigerian Air Force.”
He said the administration would continue to provide more platforms such as the Beechcraft, some modern helicopter gunships, and UAV for the Nigerian Air Force to enable it to man the nation´s airspace more effectively.
Ada Peter
