BASA: GOV UGWUANYI COMMENDS NAF FOR SECURITY OPERATIONS IN ENUGU
REPORTER: CHRISTIAN NWANGENE
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, has commended the Nigerian Air Force for its sacrifices and commitment to security and safety of the country.
Governor Ugwuanyi gave the commendation in a message to the 2022 Base Socio-Cultural Activities, BASA of the Nigerian Air Force Ground Training Command, Enugu.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Simon Ortuanya, said that the Nigerian Air Force and the armed forces had shown great resilience and commitment to the service of Nigeria and ensuring the continued oneness and peace of the country.
“We will not forget the inestimable contribution of the Nigerian armed forces, especially the Nigerian Air Force, as they are fighting in various theatres to keep us secured, keep the country as one and peaceful.
“We hail and extol NAF’s professionalism, discipline and dedication at all times as well as its overwhelming contribution to the security of the state,” he said.
The Governor pledged the commitment of the state government to continually support the armed forces, especially the Nigerian Air Force.
“As a government, we will continue to maintain the existing relationship with Nigerian Air Force and continue to gain from its rich contribution to our state’s security and peace,” he said.
On the BASA programme, Gov. Ugwuanyi said that the event had displayed rich Nigerian cultural heritage and other socio-cultural activities meant to promote solid civil-military relationship.
Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding, Nigerian Air Force Ground Training Command, Enugu, Air Vice Marshall Ibikunle Daramola, said that BASA was an age long military tradition conducted annually to mark the end of activities for the year.
Air Vice Marshall Daramola said that it provided an avenue for Nigerian Air Force personnel and their families to interact among themselves and with the civil populace living in communities surrounding the Base, with a view to enhancing peaceful co-existence.
According to Air Vice Marshall Daramola, “this event will afford us the opportunity to recognise and reward the contribution of some personnel as well as appreciate friends and organisations who have supported the activities of NAF in Enugu one way or the other.”
He said: “It is pertinent to mention that the successes of the Ground Training Command have only been possible because of the unwavering support of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao.
“Since his assumption of office, he has made professionalism, training and personnel welfare key aspects of his command philosophy.
“His expeditious approval of funds, particularly with regards to matters concerning training, has enabled us to reinvigorate non-technical ground training in the Nigerian Air Force for the optimisation of critical air-power capabilities required for joint force employment in pursuit of national security imperatives.
“Under the leadership of the Chef of the Air Staff, one of the major milestones recorded by the Command is the successful training of 164 officers and 2,916 airmen/airwomen from January 2022 till date.”
Air Vice Marshal Daramola also lauded the Enugu State Government for its assistance; but also noted the Command was looking forward for improved relationship with the government and good people of the state.
The event featured cultural dances, tug of war, lighting up of a bon-fire and presentation of awards to outstanding Nigerian Air Force personnel in the Command for the year 2022, among others.
EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU
