Nigerian Air Force holds thanksgiving service to mark 59th anniversary

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Sunday, May 30, held a church service in commemoration of NAF Day 2023, its 59th-anniversary celebration, in Abuja.

The church service followed the Juma't service on Friday, May 28, in preparation for the NAF Day 2023 scheduled for Thursday, May 4 to Saturday, May 7 in Enugu.

The Chief of Air Staff in a group photo with the clergy and other senior officers after the church service.

Speaking during the service attended by a Legit.ng reporter, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao, noted that the Nigerian Air Force has witnessed significant growth and transformation in the last 59 years.

"Today’s thanksgiving service is our recognition of the supremacy of Almighty God, who has benevolently kept and preserved each and every one of us to see this day and also be part of this success story of the Nigerian Air Force.

"Hence, we are returning all the glory back to God for having seen the Service through these 59 years.

"Indeed, since my inception as the Chief of the Air Staff, God has showered his grace, mercies and love on me as a person and to us all collectively as a Service.

"We therefore have every reason to thank God and be grateful for all the achievements, tough times and for sparing us till date in spite of all the challenges we have faced.

"I would say with all humility that the Church has indeed been instrumental to this success story, as it is always interceding for the Service and her leaders.

"We, at HQ NAF, are very thankful and appreciative of your labour of love and it’s our prayers that God will reward each and every one of you."

Air Marshal Amao also commended all personnel and civilian staff of the NAF for their services and commitment to duty, as well as for being good and worthy ambassadors of the Service.

The CAS also acknowledged and appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for supporting and providing the enabling environment for NAF to have the achievements recorded so far.

He said through the support of the federal government, several platforms including both manned and unmanned aircraft systems, have recently been acquired and inducted into the NAF.

He said the new platforms have significantly bolstered NAF's conduct of air operations in concert with its sister Services.

Recall that Air Commodore Chukwuedo Illoh, the chairman organizing committee, NAF Day 2023 at a recent press briefing, said the Service has grown over the years into a formidable and respected force within the African continent and even beyond.

According to him, series of activities have been lined up to enlighten the citizens of NAF efforts in the fight against insurgency, terrorism and other forms of criminality within the country.

He said there will also be medical out reaches to host communities across the country on Tuesday, May 2, as part of the activities.

Legit.ng had earlier reported that the Nigerian Air Force commissioned a new base in Ekiti state on Thursday, May 6.

At the event, the NAF leadership reiterated its commitment to national security and safeguarding lives and properties of Nigerians.

Air Marshal Amao also announced that some newly-acquired platforms had been earmarked for the new base.