Day: June 11, 2024

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, on Tuesday rewarded nine Air Warrant Officers (AWOs) for their hard work and dedication to the service of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the officers were presented with JMC pickup Vehicles by the Air Staff Boss.

Abubakar, while presenting the vehicles said that he believed that human resources were the most vital inputs in any organisation.

He said this was necessary because they direct the use of available resources in pursuit of set organisational goals.

He said it was in recognition of that fact that one of the key enabler to his Command Philosophy was ‘Maintaining a Highly Motivated Force by Enhancing Welfare and Infrastructural Renewal’.

‘It is in fulfilling this key enabler that we are gathered here today on the auspicious occasion of the presentation of vehicles to our deserving AWOs, who remain huge assets to the NAF.

‘Our AWOs are a selected breed of distinguished SNCOs on whom the service pl
aces the onerous task of maintaining regimentation and discipline as well as upholding military ethics and traditions among airmen/airwomen across the NAF.

‘The selfless service and exemplary lifestyle of these distinguished gentlemen who also serve as mentors to their subordinates remain quintessential to the efficiency and effectiveness of the NAF.

‘It is in recognition of this gallant service that we are gathered here today to honour these deserving gentlemen who have been very instrumental to our successes as a service,’ he said.

The CAS commended the AWOs for their untiring efforts towards ensuring that the NAF got the desired support from their subordinates, which, according to him, had really enhanced the capacity of NAF to meet its constitutional mandate.

He said the presentation of the vehicles was a testament to the commitment of the NAF to motivate its personnel.

He implored the AWOs not to rest on their oars in rendering any support required of them by the NAF, assuring them that his leadersh
ip would continue to prioritise their welfare and that of their subjects.

‘I firmly believe that the effectiveness of a fighting force is determined by the morale of its troops.

‘To this end, I will request the AWOs to always communicate the yearnings of their subordinates to appropriate superior authority for use by HQ NAF in crafting impactful policies,’ he added.

NAN also reports that the CAS inaugurated a recreational garden and park as well as six state-of-art sewage treatment plants, lift stations and sewer infrastructure at the NAF base and valley estate, Asokoro.

He said the projects were executed with sole motive of enhancing the welfare of personnel and their families in line with his desire to maintain a highly motivated force.

He added that it was in a bid to provide personnel with standard infrastructural facilities that the NAF valley estate was conceived from inception to have central sewage systems.

This, according to him, is with the aim of providing residents with clean and healthy liv
ing conditions devoid of the health hazards posed by poorly handled sewage products.

‘To this end, the NAF invested heavily in the central sewage project in this estate which has today become a model facility,’ he said.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries of the vehicle, AWO Pere Menone, said the presentation of the vehicles marked a historic moment for them in their career as military men.

Menone appreciated the CAS for the recognition and the motivation, adding that the event had given them hope that there was reward for diligence and hard work.

He urged the younger personnel to imbibe the spirit of hard work, dedication, diligence and loyalty to be able to reach the peak of their career.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Centre for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) has solicited the support of the Nigerian Army in tackling the menace of illicit arms proliferation in the country.

The National Coordinator of the centre, retired DIG Johnson Kokumo, made the call when he led his management team on courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Kokumo also called on the Nigerian army to help the centre in apprehending the criminals that had been parading themselves and usurping the functions of NCCSALW in different parts of the country.

He said that a leader of one of such illegal bodies known as NatCom had been apprehended and remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre for undertaking illegal activities.

He also called on the army high command to make available quality personnel to assist in ensuring that key positions at the centre were adequately manned.

‘We need to collaborate on our efforts with the arms bearing agencies to fulfill the mandate of th
e centre.

‘We need the support of the army, particularly in tackling activities of some illegal outfits claiming to be fighting proliferation of illicit arms in the country.

‘The centre has been privileged to have some competent army officers serving in different capacities and we are requesting for more of such hands,’ he said.

Kokumo appreciated the Nigerian army for making its facilities available for the centre to serve as its storage facilities across the country, adding that the army had assisted NCCSALW to be effective since its establishment.

Responding, the Chief of Army Staff commended the centre for its efforts in combating the menace of illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country.

Lagbaja assured the centre of army’s commitment to partnering and supporting their efforts towards achieving the objective of ridding the nation of illicit arms, adding that illicit arms were major drivers of violent extremism.

He promised to provide the needed support to the centre and ens
ure that army formations were available for NCCSALW for its effective functioning.

According to him, army will continue to put in place measures to ensure that weapons in possession of the army personnel don’t get into wrong hands.

The COAS said that the Nigerian army only recognised NCCSALW as the only legal body charged with such responsibility.

He added that army troops had been directed to dismantle all illegal checkpoint set up by the illegal bodies wherever they exist.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, on Tuesday inaugurated six sewage treatment plants, lift stations and sewer infrastructure at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Valley Estate, Asokoro in Abuja.

An indigenous firm, Biotech Solutions Limited, partnered with the NAF to build state-of-the-art sewage treatment plants, lift stations and sewer infrastructures for the NAF estate.

Abubakar, at the inauguration, said the estate was conceived from inception to have a central sewage systems which provides residents with clean and healthy living conditions devoid of the health hazards posed by poorly handled sewage products.

He said that NAF had invested heavily in the sewage project to ensure seamless evacuation and treatment of sewage products within the estate.

The CAS urged residents to ensure that non-biodegradable materials were not disposed through the system, which would ensure the best value for the huge resources invested in the project.

‘It is, therefore, necessary that we sensitise
our households in this regard.

‘Additionally, I must appeal to the residents to be very vigilant to ensure that the pipes and other components of the system are not vandalised,’ he said.

Earlier, Mr Aanu Talabi, Chief Executive Officer, Biotech Solutions Limited, said the completion of the project reflected their steadfast commitment to enhancing the quality of life for the residents of the estate development and contributing positively to the nation as a whole.

Talabi said the sewage treatment plants, and lift stations were not merely infrastructural addition but pivotal elements in the journey towards a sustainable and resilient future.

He said the inauguration of the new facilities marked a pivotal advancement in the pursuit of a circular economy.

According to him, the commissioning of these facilities symbolises a significant step towards realizing a circular economy where waste is not merely disposed of but transformed into valuable resources.

‘This approach will not only help in conserving our pre
cious resources thereby reducing the demand for fresh water, promoting sustainable water management practices, while also mitigating the impacts of climate change.

‘These sewage treatment plants and lift stations are not merely infrastructural additions, they are pivotal elements in our journey towards a sustainable and resilient future.

‘By effectively managing and treating wastewater, these plants will significantly reduce health risks associated with untreated sewage.

‘This will lead to a healthier environment, thereby improving the overall well-being of the residents,’ he said.

Talabi said the project would also ensure that the groundwater was unpolluted, adding that proper sewage treatment was crucial in protecting natural water bodies from contamination.

According to him, efficient management of wastewater will support the estate’s growth by attracting more prestigious residents and businesses, fostering a vibrant community and will stimulate local economies and create job opportunities.

Source:
News Agency of Nigeria

Hajia Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, has endorsed the 4th edition of the Jagunlabi Football Tournament as a platform for youth development.

The football competition is sponsored by the Special Adviser to the Minister on Sub-national Engagements, Mr Abiola AbdulKareem popularly known as Jagunlabi.

The former House of Representatives aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the grassroots competition was put together to unite the people of his constituency.

Musawa while unveiling the football competition on Tuesday in Abuja, highlighted the importance of sports in promoting cultural exchange and youth development.

She emphasised government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote culture, art, and sports within the nation’s communities.

The minister expressed delight that the tournament has become a beacon of unity and friendly competition, bringing together youth from diverse backgrounds.

‘Sports have the power to unite us, and events like the J
agunlabi Football Tournament are essential in promoting cultural exchange, youth development, and community engagement.

‘I commend Abdulkareem for his dedication to grassroots football development and empowering the youth.’ the minister said.

The tournament is aimed at fostering unity, talent discovery, and community engagement in the four local governments of Ekiti/Oke Ero/Isin/Irepodun federal constituency.

Abdulkareem in his remarks thanked the minister for her support for the competition, and reiterated his commitment to supporting grassroots football development and empowering the youth through sports.

According to him, the tournament will feature 10 teams competing for the top prize, with 20 matches scheduled to take place at Osi central school football pitch, Osi Ekiti local government area of Kwara State.

‘We are thrilled to host the 4th edition of the Jagunlabi Football Tournament, and we look forward to an exciting competition that will showcase the talents of our youth.

‘This event is a testa
ment to our commitment to supporting grassroots football development and empowering our communities.’ Abdulkareem said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria