REMARKS BY THE CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF, AIR MARSHAL SADIQUE BABA ABUBAKAR DFS GSS psc(+) fwc fdc (+) MSc AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY OF INITIAL OFFICERS’ AND BASIC AIRMEN/AIRWOMEN COURSES AT THE AIR FORCE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (AFIT) KADUNA ON 21 SEPTEMBER 2020
I am delighted to be with you today for the graduation ceremony of Initial officers and basic airmen/airwomen sundry courses. The end of a training programme such as the one we are witnessing today is a major milestone for both the institution and the students. It is a time for the institution to reflect on how well it has delivered on its mandate while the students reflect on the enormity of the challenges that lie ahead in building a successful professional career in the NAF. It is pleasing to note that for over 40 years, AFIT has consistently trained officers and airmen/airwomen who have performed creditably in supporting NAF operations as specialist in aircraft and armament engineering, works and services, supply management, communication as well as Information and Communication Technology. For this year, despite the COVID-19 Pandemic, AFIT has successfully completed the training of 764 NAF personnel including the 444 students who are graduating today.
- The vision of the current NAF administration is anchored on human capacity development for enhanced professional performance. This remains the prime focus of my administration to ensure our personnel possess requisite knowledge and skill sets to effectively support Nigerian Air Force operations. Towards this end, the technical and logistics management courses conducted here in Air Force Institute of Technology have helped tremendously to reduce dependence on foreign expatriates and save huge foreign exchange for the nation. The execution of air operations in theatres across Nigeria using solely Nigerian crews, engineers, technicians and controllers is a testament of the success story of our capacity building initiative.
- For the 75 officers and 369 airmen/airwomen graduating today; I have been adequately briefed that the past one year of training has been filled with extensive course and practical sessions to ensure that you are well-grounded as professionals. Tough as the training might have been, it was to ensure that you all have the necessary skills to function effectively in your areas of specialization. I am therefore proud to congratulate you all on your steadfastness, tenacity of purpose and the grit to complete your course work. However, let me remind you that the initial and basic courses you have just completed is the beginning of your journey as a professional in the NAF. You still have a lot to learn particularly from your superiors in the field. I expect that you will apply all that you have learned on this course when you get to your units. It is therefore my sincere expectation that as you go to the field, you will be good and worthy ambassador of AFIT as you join a long line of outstanding graduates of this prestigious citadel who through excellence and commitment have contributed to the success of the Nigerian Air Force.
- To the Commandant and instructors of Air Force Institute of Technology, I wish to commend your noble efforts. Your dedication and commitment to duty have made this day a reality. I enjoin you not to rest on your oars as you seek ways and means to further improve on your already stellar performance. Remember that the reward for good work is more work. Be rest assured that Headquarters Nigerian Air Force will not relent in its commitment to continually upgrade training facilities and support training efforts within the limits of available resources to provide realistic and result oriented training.
- Finally, I wish to express my sincere and heartfelt appreciation to the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) for his interest in and support for the Nigerian Air Force. Your invaluable support has placed us in a position to tackle the challenges of insurgency and myriad of other security challenges across the nation. We hereby reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians and indeed all the people who reside in our great country.
- Once more, I thank you all who are here for this occasion and God bless.