Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Tajudeen Abbas, on Tuesday said the country continues to face complex security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality.
He also said that the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinabu, has made significant investments in modernizing the Nigerian Air Force.
At the same event on Tuesday, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), decorated the 19 newly promoted Air Vice Marshals (AVMs), and 33 Air Commodores.
The Air Force Council had on December 19, approved the promotion of 52 senior officers to the next rank of Air Vice Marshals and Air Commodores.
Speaking during the colourful decoration ceremony at HQ NAF Officers Mess and Suites Kado, Abuja, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, tasked the newly decorated officers to continue to display the same exceptional determination, selfless service, and commitment to excellence which earned them their elevation.
He stressed that the Nigerian Air Force counts on their leadership to achieve outstanding results in every area of their core competence, adding that failure is not an option.
According to him, “Your elevation is not merely a reward but a call to higher responsibility. Although some of you did not make it on your first attempt, you are no less deserving than those who got promoted before you.
“I proudly say that the Nigerian Air Force has come of age as it stands as a towering symbol of our nation’s strength and sovereignty, and an indispensable pillar of national security.
“Our extensive fleet renewal and acquisition efforts have directly translated into notable battlefield successes”.
He noted that the NAF, leveraging persistent precision strikes, close air support, and logistics operations, has collaborated effectively with sister services to disrupt terrorist activities in the North-east and North-west, denying these groups freedom of action.
The outcomes of their joint operations and inter-agency collaboration, he said are clearly reflected in the relative peace across the nation.
His words: “Farmers are returning to their fields, and citizens from all walks of life can peacefully celebrate with their loved ones during the Christmas holidays.
“Furthermore, our intelligence-driven air operations, conducted in synergy with surface forces, have effectively curtailed illegal oil bunkering and theft in the South-South region.
“These concerted efforts have significantly boosted oil production, enabling Nigeria to exceed the two million barrels per day mark – a level of output that had eluded the nation for years.
“Suffice it to say that the achievements of the Nigerian Air Force could not have been possible without the unwavering dedication and professionalism of our personnel who work tirelessly in the field.”
Earlier in his address of welcome, the Chief of Administration, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Vice Marshal Idi Sani, said that promotion comes with higher and added responsibilities, stating that their elevation to higher ranks is an indication of the confidence that the NAF has in their ability to perform assigned task.
He added that it is also a reward for hard work, dedication, discipline, and sacrifice.
“Accordingly, it is incumbent on you not to betray the confidence reposed in you by the Service. You must therefore continue to be diligent, focused, and professional in the discharge of your duties, and ensure you continue to add value to the Air Force and indeed the nation for recognizing you,” Sani said.
On his part, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Tajudeen Abbas, said this while delivering a keynote address at the decoration of the 52 newly promoted Air Vice Marshals and Air Commodores in Abuja.
Represented by Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu, the Speaker told the newly decorated officers that with their new ranks come higher expectations and the mandate to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
His words: “Your leadership must inspire operational effectiveness, innovation, collaboration in addressing these challenges. You must work with other security agencies. The Air Force alone cannot do it.
“The synergistic effects of pooling your resources, your intelligence, your expertise, your professionalism together cannot be overemphasized.
“Do not walk in silence. You must build the synergy that breeds greater impact, especially for the security of our nation.
‘From the acquisition of cutting-edge platforms and equipment to initiatives aimed at ensuring that you have the resources needed to fulfill your mandates, it is imperative that these resources are utilized effectively, judiciously, to achieve the desired outcomes.”
Telling them that Nigerians look up to them to lead with professionalism, discipline, integrity and courage, Abbas urged them to embrace innovation, strategic thinking, and adaptability as they carry out their mission.
The nation, he said expects nothing less than excellence from them as they step into these elevated roles.
He said: “I congratulate all our newly promoted officers once again. May your new ranks inspire you to greater heights of service to our beloved nation, to your lovely families and loved ones.
“Thank you for your steadfast support to these men who are there as the pillars of our security, which will always remain a pillar of strength”.
Linus Aleke
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