The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has emphasized the significant responsibility entrusted to the members of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) by their fellow countrymen. He asserts that this duty necessitates unwavering dedication to the safety and welfare of the nation.
During a meeting with key appointment holders, commanders, commandants, and air component commanders of the NAF, Air Marshal Abubakar delivered this message. He stated, “The Nigerian people expect us to eradicate criminal activities and their proclivities from all areas.”
In addition to this call, he urged the personnel to utilize the meeting as an opportunity to develop strategies for enhancing NAF operations, logistics support systems, and maintenance practices. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the air assets’ serviceability to optimize their employment in joint operations.
Air Marshal Abubakar further announced that the NAF has commenced taking delivery of newly purchased air assets. Recently, it received two remaining Diamond-62 Multi-Purpose Platforms at a ceremony in Ilorin, Kwara State. He added that the NAF will soon induct other acquired platforms, which will significantly boost its capabilities in combatting insurgents, terrorists, and other criminal elements.
The Chief of Air Staff expressed his sincere appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his continuous support in addressing the operational, training, and welfare needs of the NAF. He assured President Tinubu and all Nigerians of the NAF’s unwavering commitment to work wholeheartedly with other security agencies to achieve the mandate of ensuring a safe, secure, united, and prosperous nation.
Furthermore, the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Sayo Olatunde, reminded the senior officers that they should not only see themselves as commanders or commandants but also as leaders, managers, and mentors for their subordinates. He pointed out that command entails the authority and responsibility to effectively utilize available resources, plan, organize, direct, coordinate, and control forces to accomplish assigned tasks. It also means being responsible for the well-being, morale, and discipline of the personnel.
Air Vice Marshal Olatunde emphasized the need for the officers to continue influencing their subordinates by providing purpose, direction, and motivation to accomplish missions and improve service. He encouraged them to approach the meeting with a critical mindset, being open to unlearning previous knowledge to embrace new ideas that would enhance their command responsibilities.
The meeting, which will span two days, gathers the largest assembly of NAF commanders, including branch heads, directors, commandants, commanders, and air component commanders. It will consist of lectures on unit administration, command responsibilities, the Chief of Air Staff’s command philosophy, and a review of ongoing counterinsurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
