Acting
President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo
Acting President Yemi
Osinbajo has unveiled five Super Mushshak trainer aircraft acquired to boost
the capacity of Nigeria Air Force personnel in the country.
Osinjao unveiled the
aircraft in Kaduna on Tuesday.
The News Agency of
Nigeria (NAN) reports that the five aircraft are among the 10 acquired by the
government from Pakistan.
Osinbajo, who was
represented by Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, said Nigeria would welcome
more support from friendly nations in its efforts to mow down Boko Haram
insurgency.
“I will not fail to
mention that the decision to acquire the Super Mushshak aircraft from Pakistan
has greatly promoted the existing bilateral relationship between the two sister
countries.
“It is our hope that
we will continue to have the support and collaboration of other friendly
nations, especially as we continue to combat insurgency and other security
challenges in our country.’’
The Acting President,
who also witnessed the graduation of 16 young Student Pilots from 401 Flying
Training School, for the first time in 30 years, pledged that the
administration would continue to invest in the country’s air arsenal.
He recalled that
President Muhammadu Buhari had two years ago pledged to build the capacity of
the armed forces to effectively address Boko Haram insurgency and other
national security threats.
“These achievements
are a demonstration of the commitment and visionary leadership of the
administration,’’ he said.
Osinbajo stressed that
the administration had remained committed to its desire of ensuring a peaceful
country.
“This has been a major
security policy thrust of this administration.
“We have since
embarked on qualitative training and acquisition of new platforms and other
supporting equipment for the Armed Forces and security agencies.
“We have also
sanitised the procurement process of military hardware with a view to
eliminating corruption and inefficiency.
“I make bold to say
that we have achieved remarkable savings and infused quality into the system.
“This has contributed
in no small way to the acquisition of these new aircraft without any
encumbrances.
“It is now your
responsibility to make good use of the aircraft as we await the delivery of the
last batch by the end of the year.
“I have no doubt that
the acquisition of the Super Mushshak aircraft would add impetus to the
training efforts of 401 FTS.’’
He lauded the
achievements and transformations taking place in the military, linking the feat
to “focused and visionary leadership.”
“It is heart-warming
to see the Nigerian Air Force striving to meet the nation’s security needs
through the sacrifices, dedication of the officers, airmen and airwomen,’’ he
added.
Earlier, Chief of Air
Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar said the NAF has attained 70 per cent
aircraft serviceability as against 30 per cent two years ago.
He said that the
training of several combat pilots and other capacity building initiatives had
raised the morale of air personnel and their efficiency.
“We now have the
capability to embark on and sustain major operations simultaneously within and
beyond our national boundaries,’’ he said. (NAN