Uncategorized

CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT: NAF GRADUATES 676 ADDITIONAL REGIMENT PERSONNEL TRAINED IN FORCE PROTECTION IN COMPLEX AIR-GROUND ENVIRONMENT

In furtherance of its continued efforts at developing the capacity of its personnel to tackle various security challenges in the Country, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) today, 23 January 2021, graduated another batch of 676 Regiment personnel, comprising 3 officers and 673 airmen/airwomen. The combined graduation ceremony, which took place at the Regiment Training Centre (RTC), Kaduna, consisted of graduands of the Basic Regiment Officers’ Course (BROC), Regimental Sergeant Majors’ (RSM’s) Course as well as the Basic and Advanced Regiment Airmen’s Courses (BRAC/ARAC). In addition, apart from the 40 Senior Non Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) that graduated from the RSM’s Course, all the other 637 personnel were trained in Force Protection in Complex Air and Ground Environment (FPCAGE). Significantly, the FPCAGE Course, which was hitherto conducted by the British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT), was, for the first time in the history of the Centre, conducted by the RTC’s NAF instructors, having built capacity over the past 5 years under BMATT guidance.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, reiterated that the human being is the most important resource in any system or endeavour. He noted however that no human being can give their best without being properly trained. He added that it would be irresponsible for any leader to give tasks to any individual or group without adequately equipping them with the required knowledge and skills to be effective in the execution of those tasks. He emphasized that it is only when leadership ensures that personnel have sufficient capacity and are properly equipped with requisite knowledge and skills as well as the necessary tools that it would have the moral courage to hold them accountable in the event of failure or any lapses. He highlighted that this has been the rationale behind the robust capacity building initiatives embarked upon under his leadership since 2015. As a result of this drive, the CAS noted, an unprecedented 152 new pilots had been trained, while 20 others were expected to receive their pilot wings in the coming months. He disclosed that over 1,000 aircraft engineers and technicians had similarly been trained while over 200 NAF personnel were undergoing training in 9 different countries across the globe. This, he said, was aside the thousands of others undergoing various training courses within the country. In specific reference to the building of capacity of Regiment personnel, Air Marshal Abubakar observed that the objective has always been to ensure that the Service has sufficient inherent capacity to protect its air assets and bases as well as its air and ground crews so that the Service is, in turn, able to effectively and efficiently project air power. According to him, “you must ‘force protect’ in order to be able to effectively ‘force project”.

Speaking further, Air Marshal Abubakar stated that the NAF has relentlessly pursued the improvement of force protection capabilities amidst the increasing complex nature of contemporary threats. This, the CAS said, had necessitated the drive for massive recruitment and training of Regiment personnel to complement NAF air operations across various theatres. He noted that the trainings and subsequent deployments of force protection elements have contributed to bridging the gaps in the protection of NAF critical assets and bases. “It is reassuring to note that the monumental investments by the Federal Government of Nigeria in the acquisition of new platforms and other critical infrastructure are now better secured than they were in the past”, he said. The CAS further noted that, as part of the move by the Service towards the continued expansion of the NAF Regiment Structure, the current NAF Administration recently restructured the 407 Air Combat Training Group, Kainji and established the 41 Force Protection Wing in Kainji. The Wing, he said, is to serve as a dedicated Unit to ensure credible force protection and base defence for Units in the Kainji Base, which has been expanded with the planned induction of the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft in mind.

The CAS disclosed that 65 Regiment personnel, made up of 20 officers and 45 airmen, have been nominated to attend various specialized Regiment courses in Egypt to further improve the capacity and quality of NAF Regiment personnel. “I want to assure you all that plans are in place to train more Regiment personnel overseas to sustain capacity development in the Regiment Specialty”, he said. He further revealed that the NAF would reinvigorate capabilities that had hitherto declined whilst also developing new capabilities for the changing security environment as well as adopting processes to reflect the broad range of security requirements. He added that the Service would equally continue to invest in capacity building initiatives aimed at generating combat forces not only capable of securing NAF bases against all forms of hostile elements but also poised for effective, efficient and swift response to National security challenges. He noted the the evidence of the effectiveness of the NAF Regiment and Special Forces was in their creditable performance in contributing to the return of normalcy in areas where they are deployed including Agatu in Benue State, Gembu in Taraba State, Gusau in Zamfara State and Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State.

While congratulating the graduands, Air Marshal Abubakar charged them to imbibe the attributes of the military profession which include loyalty, discipline, honesty, intelligence, physical fitness, motivation, accountability, teamwork and decisiveness, amongst others. He reminded them that they would be operating at a time when the Nation is facing numerous security challenges and must therefore be disciplined and vigilant while protecting all Nigerians, irrespective of their political ideology, ethnic background or religious inclination. In his words, “You will be operating at a time when our nation is facing numerous security challenges. You must therefore be a strong bulwark, disciplined and vigilant. It is also important that you guard your utterances and conduct at all times, and not allow yourselves to be used by ‘disgruntled and criminal elements’ in the society. Furthermore, you must always submit yourselves to civil authority and protect our democracy. Most importantly, the safety and security of our precious people and communities must remain our primary priority. In addition, you must avoid any act capable of denting the image of the NAF. Always remember that your duty is to protect all Nigerians irrespective of their political inclination, ethnic background or religious inclination. I am confident that with our continued commitment and sustained effort, we shall overcome every threat to the peace, stability and security of our dear country, Nigeria”.

The CAS expressed his appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, for his unwavering and relentless support to the NAF. He also commended the Air Officer Commanding, Ground Training Command (AOC GTC), Air Vice Marshal Idi Amin, as well as the Commandant RTC, Group Captain Daniel Komo, and his staff for conducting the training effectively, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 Pandemic, which hinders human activities and operations. While appreciating the Chief of Training and Operations, AOC Air Training Command (AOC ATC), Directors and other staff officers, the CAS implored them not to relent, while assuring them of his continued support to sustain the various capacity building initiatives.

In his welcome address, the AOC GTC, AVM Amin, stated that, in order to meet the expectations of the NAF Headquarters, the curriculum of RTC was restructured to ensure that the training of personnel meets the ever-changing complexities of military operations. He said the students were accordingly exposed to both theoretical and practical training in weapon handling and marksmanship, live shooting at the range, contemporary field tactics as well as force protection skills for guarding critical assets. He added that, in order to further improve their level of understanding, the students embarked on tours to Nigerian Army School of Artillery Kachia; Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji and the Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria, Kaduna. The objective of these trips, he said, was to foster inter-Service cooperation and compare notes on training tactics and methods. The AOC therefore expressed his appreciation and profound gratitude to the CAS for his unwavering support and timely approval of the Centre’s training needs. This, he said, undoubtedly improved the morale of the instructors and enhanced the smooth conduct of training in RTC.

Highlights of the graduation ceremony included the conferment of certificates on the graduating students as well as the presentation of awards to students who excelled in the various courses. Also present at the ceremony were Branch Chiefs from Headquarters NAF as well as Commandants and Commanders of tri-Service and NAF Formations in Kaduna. Before departing Kaduna, the CAS inspected some ongoing projects at the RTC Training Area.

IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Vice Marshal
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

You may also like

Business

NDPC and NAICOM Forge Partnership to Advance Data Privacy in Nigeria

post-image

 

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has taken a significant step toward bolstering data privacy in Nigeria by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM). This strategic collaboration underscores the commitment of both agencies to safeguarding data protection principles within the insurance sector and beyond.

The signing ceremony, held at the NAICOM headquarters in Abuja, was led by Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner and CEO of NDPC, and Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, the Commissioner for Insurance and CEO of NAICOM. The MoU is designed to fortify the partnership between the two regulatory bodies, ensuring that data privacy becomes an integral part of the operations within the insurance sector.

Strengthening Collaboration

Dr. Olatunji lauded the signing of the MoU as a pivotal milestone in advancing the data protection landscape in Nigeria. Reflecting on the journey leading up to this partnership, he noted that the NDPC had already…

Read More
Business Culture Economy

Anambra Leads South East in VAT Contribution for August 2024

post-image

In a remarkable feat, Anambra State has emerged as the top contributor to the Value Added Tax (VAT) pool in the South East region for August 2024, with a contribution of ₦4.28 billion. This amount significantly surpasses the combined total VAT contributions of the other five states in the region, which amounted to ₦3.88 billion.

Breakdown of VAT Contributions in the South East:

  • Anambra: ₦4.28bn
    Anambra’s contribution stands as the highest in the region, reinforcing the state’s position as an economic powerhouse in the South East. The state’s growing industrial and commercial sectors continue to thrive, bolstered by government initiatives aimed at driving economic growth.
  • Ebonyi: ₦1.90bn
    Ebonyi State followed closely with a contribution of ₦1.90 billion, reflecting its steady economic activity and improvements in its industrial and agricultural sectors.
  • Enugu: ₦1.08bn
    Enugu State contributed ₦1.08 billion, showcasing the impact of its mining, agriculture, and commercial sectors on the state’s economic growth.
  • Abia:…
Read More
Business Culture Economy Leisure News Opinion

Roberta Edu Calls for a Shift in Women’s Role in Sustaining Patriarchy

post-image

 

Roberta Edu, the visionary CEO of Moppets Baby Food and an outspoken advocate for gender equity, is no stranger to speaking her mind. In a recent candid statement, Edu delivered a stirring critique of patriarchal systems, zeroing in on a seldom-discussed reality: the role some women play in perpetuating the cycle of oppression.

As a self-confessed feminist and a leader in Nigeria’s business landscape, Edu is well-versed in navigating both corporate and societal challenges. However, her latest comments tackle an issue that resonates far beyond boardrooms.

“I can understand patriarchal men,” she began, her tone measured yet firm. “I understand why a man would want to cling to that system. For many men, especially those who feel they’ve failed in life, patriarchy becomes a refuge. It’s their last bastion of power, the one place where they’re told they have value, even if it’s only in subjugating their wives. That, to them,…

Read More
Business Economy Environment Government International Technology Technology Trends Telecoms

Nigerian Delegation Visits MTN Group Headquarters to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

post-image

 

A high-ranking delegation from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently visited the MTN Group headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa. The visit highlighted the growing efforts to deepen economic and diplomatic relations between the two largest economies in Africa.

The Nigerian team was led by Rt. Hon. Wole Oke, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and included prominent figures such as Amb. Ahmed Sulu-Gambari, the Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, H.E. Alexander T. Ajayi; and other senior officials.

MTN Group’s top executives welcomed the delegation, including Group Chairman, Mcebisi Jonas; Chief of Staff (CEO’s Office), Jerry Varachia; Executive for Network Design, Amith Maharaj; Executive for Core Mergers and Acquisitions, Annemarie Krijnauw; Executive for Internal Audit, Motselisi Molapo; and Senior Manager for Strategic Public Affairs, Dominic Khumalo.

During the meeting, discussions focused on fostering stronger ties between Nigeria and South Africa. Both parties acknowledged…

Read More
Business Economy Education News

Federal Government of Nigeria Introduces 15 Skill Acquisition Courses in Primary and Junior Secondary School Curriculum

post-image

 

In a significant move to empower the future workforce and enhance the employability of students, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the integration of 15 skill acquisition courses into the curriculum of Primary and Junior Secondary Schools across the country. Starting from the 2025 academic year, students will be able to select one skill to study from Primary 1 through to Junior Secondary 3 (JSS3), ensuring that by the time they complete their education, they will have both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in their chosen field.

This groundbreaking initiative is designed to address the skills gap in Nigeria by fostering a generation of students who are not only academically inclined but also possess hands-on expertise in various trades…

Read More
Announcements Business Economy Finance Fintech International

Akwa Ibom Tech Week 2024: Ushering in a New Era of Innovation in Africa

post-image

The much-anticipated Akwa Ibom Tech Week 2024 concluded with remarkable success, marking another milestone in the region’s journey to becoming a leading tech hub in Africa. Held from October 28th to November 2nd, 2024, the event brought together tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, government representatives, and innovators from across Nigeria and the globe to discuss the future of digital transformation, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

The event, which was held in the vibrant city of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, served as a powerful testament to the region’s growing influence in Africa’s digital economy. Hanson Johnson, Founder and CEO of Start Innovation Hub, one of the central organizations driving this transformation, expressed his pride and excitement as he reflected on the event’s success.

In his address,…

Read More
Announcements Business Featured News Opinion Technology Trends Telecoms

The Hidden Roadblocks to Nigeria’s Digital Revolution

post-image

In the heart of Nigeria’s bustling cities and its quiet rural communities, an invisible challenge is quietly stalling the nation’s journey toward a digital future. While vandalism and theft of telecom infrastructure are often cited as the primary culprits behind poor connectivity, an even more insidious issue is threatening to derail progress: denial of access to telecom facilities.

This growing crisis took center stage at the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Protection and Resilience Workshop Series, held in Abuja and organized by the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NCCC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser. Among the speakers was Dr. Aminu Maida, a leading figure in the telecom sector, who painted a sobering picture of a nation held back by bureaucratic hurdles, community resistance, and property disputes.

“In 2023 alone, we recorded over 20,000 cases of site access denial,” Dr. Maida revealed. “Each of these represents a barrier to connecting…

Read More
Business Economy

Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani Advocates Strengthened Local Government Capacity through #Project774

post-image

Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has reiterated the critical role of Local Government autonomy in advancing grassroots governance and fostering digital inclusion. Speaking on the ongoing implementation of #Project774, he emphasized the project’s pivotal role in delivering the dividends of governance directly to citizens at the last mile.

“With the introduction of Local Government Autonomy in Nigeria, it is imperative that we strengthen the capacity of our LGA structures through initiatives like #Project774, ensuring that governance is both impactful and inclusive,” Dr. Tijani remarked.

As part of this transformative initiative, Dr. Tijani recently hosted a strategic brainstorming session with state government representatives. The event brought together commissioners, agency heads, advisers, and local government chairmen from seven states—Sokoto, Borno, Ogun, Kogi, Imo, Zamfara, and Kwara—participating in the project’s first phase.

“The discussions were focused on ensuring the efficient use of…

Read More