 |
| Abuja Welcomes Top Air Force Chiefs, Leaders, Industry Experts for African Air Forces Forum As NAF Marks 60 Years of Excellence |
Africa’s key Air Force Chiefs and top leadership, international and regional industry experts and government officials converged in Abuja, Nigeria for the Third Edition of the African Air Forces Forum which coincides with the momentous 60th Anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Air Force.
The Two-day historic events, that is, the Conference and Exhibition of the Third Air Forces Forum is an avenue to explore and for strengthening airpower capacities, fostering cooperation, and addressing common security challenges for the betterment of the entire African region.
%20(7).jpeg)
The forum was hosted under the theme Nigerian Air Force at 60: Leveraging Strategic Partnerships in Aerospace Innovations for Regional Security; which highlighted the continuous advancement of air force capabilities, technological innovations, and strategic developments that contribute to enhancing Africa’s aerial defense and peacekeeping capabilities.
Speaking at the event, Nigeria's Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar highlighted the significant contributions of the Nigerian Air Force in combating terrorism, banditry, insurgency, and other criminal activities that bedeviling the nation's peace.
He said the 60th anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force's milestone stands as a tribute to the commitment of the air force in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty, ensuring national security, and contributing to peacekeeping missions both regionally and globally.
"As we mark the 60th anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force, it is essential for us to forge strategic partnerships in aerospace innovation at a regional level," stated Abubakar. The discussions at the forum are expected to underscore the importance of cooperation between the Nigerian Air Force and its counterparts from other countries, emphasizing the vital role of air power capabilities in enhancing stability and border security.
"The event aims to highlight the critical role of collaboration and technological innovation in shaping the development and effectiveness of air power in the region.
He expressed optimism that the accompanying conference and exhibition would showcase key technological advancements necessary for the Nigerian Air Force to bolster its capabilities in counter-terrorism and security operations. .
Earlier in his remarks, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, sais historic events attracted several Chiefs of Air Staff and many aerospace industry leaders from across the world, noting that their presence is proof that the profession of arms is a bridge builder across strategic and geopolitical boundaries.
The Air Chief averred that Sub-Saharan Africa faces a multitude of national security challenges, including violent extremism, terrorism, and insurgency and in addressing these threats, air power has emerged as the means of choice due to its unique characteristics of speed, lethality, and ubiquity.
Accordingly, the all-important issue of partnership in aerospace innovation to sustain our air power capabilities, to protect and advance our Defence and Security interests would form the crux of our discussions in the Third African Air Forces Forum.
The Conference and Exhibition of the Third Air Forces Forum is expected to end onnFriday, 24 May 2024 while the Ceremonial Parade and Air Show will take place in Kaduna, Nigeria on 25 May 2024.
Dignitaries at the Conference and Exhibition forum are the Honourable Minister of Defence, Alhaji Badaru Abubakar, Chief of Defence Staff General CG Musa, the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, Representative of the Chief of Army Staff, Air Chiefs from diverse African countries among others