NAF Dislays Combat Aircrafts at Competition
The Nigerian Airforce (NAF) displays dominant air power capabilities
as some of its fighter jets led by the L39 Albatross and the F7Ni supersonic
jet, dazzled citizens of the state to several frightening air displays as part
of activities drawing the curtain on the 2017 NAF Combat Sports drills
completion.
Several dignitaries at the Nigerian Air force Military School Sports
pavilion including Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state who was the special
guest, Minister of Sports, Barr. Solomon Dalong, members of the Kogi State
Executive Council, Directors, Joint Services and Air force at the Ministry of Defence
could not help but marvel at the dexterity and maneuverability of the NAF
pilots aboard the aircraft.
The Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello commended the Nigerian
military improved performance in combat operations, especially against the Boko
Haram terrorists in the North East and other parts of the country because of
efficiency and accountability by the current Service Chiefs
Bello attributed this to transparency in procurement or arms and ammunition such as
the number of aircrafts in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) inventory and platforms
as well as advanced training of personnel.
The Governor stated this on Thursday as a the Guest of Honour at the
end of the NAF Second Inter-Command Combat Sports Competition in Jos, Plateau
State.
He said, more than his predecessors, the government of President
Muhammadu Buhari has done enough to equip the Nigerian military with the needed
weapons and right kind of training provided by the service chiefs to defeat the insurgents around the country.
"I learnt that in the past we only have three air crafts but
today we have enough combat air crafts that are doing tremendously well against
the terrorists.
We have seen what our military are doing in containing the security
situation in the country, especially in
the North East, which has improved. So I don't know what people are saying.
What more do they want from President Muhammadu Buhari as obviously he has done
well together with the Service Chiefs he appointed," he stressed.
Speaking Bello commended the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal
Sadique Abubakar, for initiating a workable and pragmatic vision for the NAF.
He said: "The excellent skills and talents showcased by the
participants in the respective sporting events left no one in doubt of their
capability. For those who are privilleged to witness these events, I am sure we
are now better informed of the physical fitness of NAF, which have to be
brought to bear in defending the territorial integrity our dear country.
"With the new skills and experience acquired in the course of
the competition, NAF personnel are now better poised to give back to the system
their take away, by way of putting in their utmost best in defence of our dear
father land Nigeria. This is essentially imperative in this testing and trying
times of widespread insecurity in the country."
Bello said indicpline and
corruption nearly drowned the air force but that "NAF is back to winning
ways" because the current "CAS took away stealing of airforce
money".
"Gone are the days of hiding it in safety tanks and bank
account of wives ...we are seeing results to be different," he said.
In the same vein, the Minister of Sports and Youth Development,
Solomon Dalung, "the airmen and women for active participation in sporting
activities despite being actively engaged in war against terror".
Dalong however, noted that sports is a crucial source of development
and economic growth for any nation.
"I have said that sports is what can drive Nigeria out of the
present economic recession. I am saying this because the highest paid person in
the world today is a sports person. If we invest in sports we will be creating
a lot of jobs and employment opportunities for our youths.
"What I am seeing here today convinced me that there is hope
for the nation as it needs the lubricant for both sports and military, which is
discipline, " he stressed.
Also speaking, Air Marshal Abubabakar promised to sustain the
sporting competition, which he says helps the combat readiness of the Nigerian
Air Force.
He also presented trophies to the winners of the competition in
different sporting events including taekwondo, judo, boxing, combat relay race,
combat swimming and shooting among others.
Five teams competed with Team Headquarters Nigerian Air Force (HQ
NAF) emerging the overall best with nine golds; followed by Team Training
Command with eight gold medals, and third position went to the Team Special Operations
Command. The fourth and fifth positions went to the Team Logistic and Mobility
Commands respectively.
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