... NAF Allays Enugu Residents fear of Heavy Movement of Equipment for the Anniversary
As a highly technical Service with the fundamental mission of 'ensuring the integrity of the airspace by gaining and maintaining control of the air while retaining a credible capacity to fulfil other air power tasks demanded by national defence and security imperatives', the Nigerian Air Force on Friday said, President Muhammadu Buhari will be inducting two new platforms, DA-62, Wing Loong II UAV and CW 40 UAV into the into the NAF Order of Battle.
The Chairman Organizing Committee, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Day Celebration 2023, Air Commodore Chukwuedo Illoh disclosed this while briefing news men on the activities lined up for the forthcoming NAF 59th Anniversary Celebration scheduled to hold from 4 to 7 May 2023 at the NAF Base, Emene, Enugu State.
According to Air Commodore Illoh, this year's Theme is aimed at emphasizing and promoting air mindedness among NAF personnel and ensuring a common frame of reference on the most effective approach to air power employment especially in joint military operations at this critical stage in our Nation's history.
He said to mark this year's NAF Day Celebration, series of activities have been lined up to enlighten the citizens of NAF efforts in the fight against insurgency, terrorism and other forms of criminality within the Country. There will be series of pre-event activities taking place simultaneously at NAF units across the country. These activities include Juma'at prayers and Interdenominational Church Service.
"The Juma'at prayers will take place today, 28 April 2023 while the Inter-denominational Church service takes place on Sunday, 30 April 2023 respectively. There will also be medical out reaches to host communities across the country on 2 May 2023.
"Furthermore, the Nigerian Air Force Officers' Wives Association (NAFOWA) will also embark on humanitarian support activities to some selected communities in the country on 4 May 2023. All these are geared towards winning the consent and support as well as appreciating Nigerians for their support and goodwill over the years. There will also be a mini Golf Kitty which will take place in Enugu on Thursday, 4 May 2023.
"For the first time, this year's anniversary will also feature a Doctrine Penetration Competition among the 6 Commands of the NAF including Headquarters NAF.
"This is scheduled to hold on Thursday, 4 May 2023 in addition to the Pulling out Parade of senior officers who recently retired from the Service after many years of meritorious service to our dear Country. Additionally, there will also be Gala Night. These events will take place on Friday, 5 May 2023.
"The activities marking the NAF Day Celebration is expected to end on Saturday, 6 May 2023 with a ceremonial parade, aerial display and induction of new platforms into the NAF Order of Battle. The new platforms to be inducted are DA-62, Wing Loong II UAV and CW 40 UAV.
"Other events lined up to round off the celebration are exhibitions and photo gallery display. The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR is expected to be the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion. 7.
The Chairman commended the media for timely and accurate reportage of every event marking the NAF Day 2023 Celebration. We also use this medium to inform the general public especially the good people of Enugu State not to panic due to the movement of air platforms that would be taking part in the event and urged the good people of Enugu State not to panic due to the movement of air platforms that would be taking part in the event.", he said.