61st Anniversary: NAF To Induct New Aircraft

As part of activities marking its 61st anniversary, the Nigerian Air Force has announced plans to induct the newly procured Augusta 109S Trekker helicopter at the 011 Presidential Air Fleet.

This is just as the Service plans to commission a hospital in the Rukubi community in Doma local government area of Nasarawa State, the site of a tragic airstrike that claimed civilian lives in January 2023.

President Bola Tinubu, who will serve as the special guest of honour, is expected to attend the induction ceremony on Friday, May 16.

The Anniversary Organising Committee chairman, Air Commodore Sylvester Eyoma, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said, “On Friday 16 May 25, there will be an induction ceremony for the Augusta 109S Trekker Hel at the 011 Presidential Air Fleet.

“The President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Niger, His Excellency Bola Tinubu is expected to grace the occasion as the special guest of honour.

“On the same Friday, Jumaat Prayers will be held in mosques across all NAF units. “

He also revealed that a newly constructed hospital in Rukubi community, Doma local government area of Nasarawa State, the site of a tragic airstrike that claimed civilian lives in January 2023, would also be inaugurated as part of the anniversary events.

Eyoma noted that the project underscores the Air Force’s commitment to reconciliation and rebuilding trust with civilians.

He said, “On Thursday, there will be the commissioning of Quick Impact Projects across the NAF operations theatre. One of the projects is a clinic that has been constructed in Rukubi Community in Doma LGA of Nasarawa State, where some civilians lost their lives in January 2023, due to an unfortunate airstrike.”

Eyoma further noted that over 30 air forces and at least 12 Chiefs of Air Staff from across Africa would participate in the forum to bolster regional cooperation and promote the adoption of advanced aerospace technologies.

He said, “For this high-profile event, there will be a gathering of air force chiefs, defence experts, and industry leaders from across Africa and beyond to discuss advancements in air power and regional security cooperation.

“ We are expecting over 2,000 participants at the Conference and Exhibitions scheduled for 22 and 23 May 25. Over 30 air forces and 12 chiefs of air staff, 45 exhibitors including major defence and aerospace players like Airbus, Embraer, Diamond Aircraft, HAVELSAN, Jet Aviation, Starlite Aviation Group, Proforce and of course our own Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria. At the end of the conferences and exhibitions, there will be a welcome cocktail and canapés on the evening of 22 May 25, and a VIP farewell dinner for the visiting air chiefs on the evening of 23 May 25.”

He emphasised the NAF’s transformation over the past six decades and its leading role in combating terrorism and other security threats through precision air operations, surveillance, and collaboration with other security agencies.

“The Nigerian Air Force remains resolute in its mission to defend our nation and promote peace. Together, we can make this anniversary a memorable and impactful event. May I also use this medium to inform the public, especially the good people of Abuja and Lagos States, not to panic when they observe increased flying activities, particularly at low levels.”