By Tony Adibe
The Enugu State Governor, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has lauded the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its sacrifice and commitment to security, and safety within the country.
Governor Ugwuanyi, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, gave the commendation in an address at the 2022 Base Socio-Cultural Activities (BASA) of the NAF Ground Training Command (GTC), Enugu.
He said that the NAF and the armed forces had shown great resilience and commitment to “the service of our fatherland” and ensuring the continued oneness and peace of the country.
He said: “We will not forget the inestimable contribution of the Nigerian armed forces especially the Nigerian Air Force as they are fighting in various theatres to keep us secured, keep the country as one and peaceful.
“We hail and extol NAF’s professionalism, discipline and dedication at all times as well as its overwhelming contribution to the security of the state.” The governor pledged the commitment of the state government to continually support the armed forces especially “our exceptional and performing Nigerian Air Force”.
“As a government, we will continue to maintain the existing relationship with Nigerian Air Force and continue to gain from its rich contribution to our state’s security and peace.”
On the BASA programme, Ugwuanyi said that the event had displayed rich Nigerian cultural heritage and other socio-cultural activities meant to promote solid civil-military relationship.
Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of NAF Ground Training Command, Enugu, AVM Ibikunle Daramola said that BASA was an age long military tradition conducted annually to mark the end of activities for the year.
Daramola explained that it provided an avenue for NAF personnel and their families to interact among themselves and with the civil populace living in communities surrounding the Base, with a view to enhancing peaceful co-existence.
AVM Daramola said the ceremony would afford the NAF the opportunity to recognise and reward the contributions of some personnel as well as appreciate friends and organisations who have supported the activities of NAF in Enugu one way or the other.
“It is pertinent to mention that the successes of the Ground Training Command have only been possible because of the unwavering support of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao.”
“Since his assumption of office, he has made professionalism, training and personnel welfare key aspects of his command philosophy.”
“His expeditious approval of funds, particularly with regards to matters concerning training, has enabled us to reinvigorate non-technical ground training in the Nigerian Air Force for the optimisation of critical air-power capabilities required for joint force employment in pursuit of national security imperatives.”
“Under the leadership of the Chef of the Air Staff, one of the major milestones recorded by the Command is the successful training of 164 officers and 2,916 airmen/airwomen from January 2022 till date.”
“We are indeed grateful to our amiable Chief of Air Staff,” he said.
The AOC also lauded the Enugu State Government for its assistance, while the Command is looking forward for improved relationship with the government and good people of the state.
The event featured cultural dances, tug of war and lighting up of a bon-fire as well as presentation of awards to outstanding NAF personnel in the Command for the year 2022 among others.
