In motivation for dedication to duty, the Nigerian Airforce ( NAF ) has honoured over thirteen of its personnel with awards and letters of commendation for distinguishing themselves, in both character and performance during the course of their duties .
Presenting the awards yesterday at the headquarters Air Taskforce Operation Lafiya Dole Maiduguri,to Flight Leautenant Ibrahim Gambomi Goni who emerged the best Officer of the quarter , and sergeant Alhassan Musa Yusuf as the best airman 2018 respectively, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, said in order not to loose sight of the efforts and commitments of various personnel , it was decided that the award be presented quarterly , rather than yearly.
” Let me hasten to remark that it is not mandatory that a personnel be selected for these awards if non has really distinguished himself or herself. It is important to note that these awards are not for personnel who have ordinarily performed their normal duties.
” That said, I wish to remind us that in the last two quarters , at luncheons like this , Group captain S.A Eyoma, Squadron Leaders M . Yusuf and I .Jakitu , F. S Daniel and corporal I. Ibibofori were presented with the awards for best officers and best airmen of respective quater.
“This quarter, the award for best officer for the third quarter of 2018 goes to flight leautenant I. G Goni – Alpha Jet , and sergeant Yusuf AM -Regiment,” the Air Chief said.
Similarly, letters of commendation were presented to eleven deserving personnel who as well distinguished themselves in their different areas of responsibilities while serving.
Presenting the letters of commendation at a sallah luncheon which took place at the conference Hall , headquarters Air Taskforce operation Lafiya Dole Maiduguri, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, who was represented at the occasion by the Commander , headquarters AirTaskforce operation Lafiya Dole, Air Commodore , James Matti Goni , said the gesture is a way of motivating Personnel to perform better.
The citation for their letters of commendation reads :” The first letter of commendation goes to NAF16/30671 ACM Koborn IG. On 5th August 2018,ACM Koborn observed an unusual wirings in a vehicle parked within the premises of the Headquarters Air Task Force. He noticed this notwithstanding the prevailing darkness at that time; and the fact that he was still in discomfort from his ailment as he was returning from the Medical Centre. Without being deterred by these dissuading circumstances, he further brought this to the immediate awareness of the officers around, including the Orderly Officer of the day and found the owner of the vehicle.
” Although the incidence eventually turned-out to be a no-threat situation, the presence of mind, situational awareness and security consciousness he exhibited were commendable qualities all personnel, especially those deployed to operations areas should emulate. To this end, the Air Task Force is very pleased with the rare commitment and responsibility with which he handled the situation.
” The second letter of commendation goes to a squad of regiment personnel for the unequalled efforts they displayed in the conduct of their duties around the Maiduguri International Airport (MIA). These personnel are: 95NA/40/4305 SSgt Abu ,NAF00/19720 FS Nwafor F,NAF09/24810 Sgt Seidu B, NAF10/25156 LCpl Garba N, NAF11/25850 LCpl Abdulhamid Y, NAF12/26264 LCpl Ibrahim WA, NAF14/28405 ACM Emenu OS, NAF16/29438 ACM Ebere CP,NAF16/29192 ACM Haruna I, NAF16/29345 ACM Khamis MS, and NAF16/29093 ACM Oyihbo CF.
” While on duty, these personnel, through keen concentration and diligence while on patrol, discovered that part of the perimeter fence of the airfield was compromised. In spite of the prevailing adverse weather conditions on that day, they showed an exceptional knack for situational awareness.
” This can only be achieved by committed personnel who make dedicated and conscious efforts in carrying-out assigned tasks, especially without supervision. The havoc that could be wrecked on the Base by potential intruders who could gain access through the breach if it was undiscovered is unimaginable. As such, the effort of these regiment personnel is commendable,” the citation further reads.
