The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has charged the newly decorated senior officers of the Nigerian Air Force, not lose sight of the ongoing fight against terrorism, banditry and all other forms of criminality while the fanfare and jubilations of their promotions continue.
The Defence minister who was represented by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Muhammad Bello Matawalle, said this today, 29th December, 2023 at the decoration ceremony of the newly promoted officers of air rank in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Abuja.
Abubakar said variably, the newly decorated senior officers mandate as Generals is to successfully execute all such operations necessary to preserve national security and territorial integrity. Hence, it is expected that with their upliftment to the ranks of Air Commodore and Air Vice Marshal, to redouble their efforts to discharge their duties so that all security threats can end quickly in Nigeria.
He reiterated that promotion comes with greater expectations and responsibilities. He also congratulated them for their well-deserved promotions, noting that their painstaking efforts and remarkable contributions to the Service were instrumental to their success.
The Defence minister also specially congratulated their spouses for their continued support, dedication and affection, which have facilitated their progress in the Service and culminated in today’s decoration ceremony. "Equally, I congratulate your family and friends who are here to celebrate with you."
He also restated that the Federal Government, under the able leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been forthcoming and remains committed to supporting the Nigerian military in general and the Nigerian Air Force in particular.
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| Cross-section of Guest at NAF Decoration ceremony of senior officers in Abuja |
"Accordingly, the Government is poised to provide the Armed Forces as well as other security agencies with the necessary resources to ensure a peaceful, safe and prosperous Nation.
"I must also remind you all that these are challenging times for our nation and the military. Therefore, the government and the good people of Nigeria will expect nothing short of professionalism and the best efforts with commensurate outputs on the part of the military. We must, therefore, review our strategies, techniques, tactics and procedures to contain these challenges and assure our fellow citizens of their security and safety."he noted
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In his remarks, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar congratulated the 22 Air Commodores promoted to the rank of Air Vice Marshal and the 16 Group Captains elevated to the rank of Air Commodore.
He noted that while promotion is highly desirable, motivating and rewarding, it also places added responsibilities on those so recognized, especially as the country is faced with current and emerging security challenges associated with an increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environment.
He said having been recognized by this elevation and bearing in mind the enormous investment in their training and exposures, they must all put on their thinking caps and chart workable strategies in our quest to, “transform the Nigerian Air Force into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the air power demands of national security in all operational environments.”
"You will also be required to continue to display exceptional integrity, selfless service and commitment to excellence, which would ensure that the Nigerian Air Force records outstanding results in every area of competence and translate to successes in the various theatres of operation with resultant improved security for our people across the country.
"You must remember that we cannot afford to fall short of the expectations of all Nigerians. I therefore urge you to remember that failure should never be an option so long as your determination to succeed remains strong.
In his vote of thanks on behalf of other Senior decorated officers, Air Vice Marshal Suleiman Usman thanked the Air Force Council for counting them worthy for the promotion. He pledged their loyalty and dedication to duty in line with the Chief of Air Staff philosophy of Command.
