By Philip Nwosu
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has reaffirmed his commitment to operational readiness and personnel welfare following a four-day tour of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) units and formations across the South-West region from December 12 to 15, 2024.
The tour covered NAF facilities in Lagos, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo States, with the CAS inspecting ongoing infrastructural and technical upgrades, engaging personnel, and highlighting the NAF’s focus on innovation and sustainability.
In Lagos, Air Marshal Abubakar visited the 055 NAF Camp Victoria Island, 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot (ACMD), 643 Equipment Supply Depot (ESD) in Ikeja, and the 663 NAF Mother & Child Hospital in Badagry. A symbolic tree-planting exercise at the 643 ESD underscored the NAF’s commitment to sustainability.
He also commissioned the NAF Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA) Multipurpose Hall at Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Ikeja. The facility, constructed under the leadership of NAFOWA National President, Mrs. Rakiya Abubakar, is designed to enhance welfare and family activities on the base.
The CAS proceeded to inspect the new Air Force Comprehensive Secondary School in Igbara-Oke, Ondo State, and visited the NAF Institute of Safety in Ipetu Ijesha and the Air Force Research and Development Institute (AFRDI) in Oshogbo, Osun State. The tour concluded with an assessment of the permanent site for the NAF School of Finance and Accounting (NAFSFA) in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Throughout the tour, the CAS held Durbars (military-style town hall meetings) at each location to engage directly with NAF personnel, communicate his Command Philosophy, and gather vital feedback. At the AFRDI, he reviewed projects aimed at advancing indigenous technology and emphasized the need for timely and high-quality work aligned with international standards.
Air Marshal Abubakar highlighted themes of teamwork, discipline, and innovation, underscoring the NAF’s readiness to tackle current and future security challenges. He urged personnel to remain committed to excellence and resilience to ensure the Air Force remains agile and effective in fulfilling its national security mandate.
The tour reflects the NAF’s continued investment in capacity-building and infrastructural development to enhance operational capabilities and personnel welfare nationwide.