By Victor Akaa
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubaka has successfully completed a four-day operational tour of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) units and formations across the South-West, from 12 to 15 December 2024.
Director Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa in a statement said this strategic move reinforces the CAS’s commitment to operational readiness, personnel welfare, and innovation within the NAF within the zone and indeed across Nigeria.
During the tour, the CAS visited several key locations in Lagos, including the 055 NAF Camp Victoria Island, 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot (ACMD), and 643 Equipment Supply Depot (ESD) in Ikeja.
He also stopped by the 663 NAF Mother and Child Hospital in Badagry, where he assessed the ongoing infrastructural and technical upgrades.
The CAS also conducted a symbolic tree-planting exercise which was held at the 643 ESD, highlighting the NAF’s dedication to sustainability.
According to Air Commodore Akinboyewa one of the highlights of the Lagos leg of the tour was the commissioning of the NAF Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA) Multipurpose Hall at the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base Ikeja.
This impressive facility, according to the statement, was designed and constructed under the direction of the NAFOWA National President, Architect (Dr) Mrs Rakiya Abubakar, aims to enhance welfare and family activities on the Base.
The CAS also visited the new Air Force Comprehensive Secondary School in Igbara-Oke, Ondo State, as well as the NAF Institute of Safety Ipetu Ijesha, and the Air Force Research and Development Institute (AFRDI) Oshogbo, both in Osun State.
The tour concluded with an assessment of the ongoing work on the permanent site for the NAF School of Finance and Accounting (NAFSFA) in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Throughout the tour, the CAS emphasized the importance of innovation, capacity-building, and constructive engagement with NAF personnel.
He also took the opportunity to reinforce his Command Philosophy and elicit vital feedback from the personnel through robust Durbars (Town Hall meetings) at each location.
At the AFRDI, the CAS reviewed ongoing projects focused on advancing indigenous technology, stressing the need for excellent and timely work in line with international best practices.
This, he noted, would enable the NAF and the nation to derive optimal value from the investments made.
The CAS’s operational tour has undoubtedly reinforced the NAF’s commitment to teamwork, discipline, and innovation.
As the NAF continues to evolve, it is clear that the Air Force is well-equipped to meet both current and future security challenges, thanks to the visionary leadership of the CAS, Enugu Reporters noted.
