The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has graduated 165 personnel in various specialities, reaffirming its commitment to prioritising capacity building for effective and efficient service delivery.
The Air Officer Commanding, Ground Training Command, AVM Ahmed Shinkafi, made this known during the combined graduation ceremony for upgrading courses at the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Administration Management, NAFIAM at the NAF Base in Kaduna.
Shinkafi stated that the NAF, under the leadership of the Chief of the Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, was committed to deliberate training and mission-oriented force development—one of the key enablers of the CAS’s command philosophy.
According to him, the Nigerian Air Force will continue to prioritise the capacity building and professional development of its personnel to ensure effective service delivery in support of Nigeria’s national defence and security objectives.
“I am delighted that the Institute has continued to live up to its establishment mandate.
“I am equally aware, that the institute is at the verge of getting its courses accredited by the National Board for Technical Education to reposition the Institute for greater achievements.
” This is commendable. I assure you of the unwavering commitment of Ground Training Command towards achieving this feat”
The AOC told those graduating that the rigorous training period is the beginning of a new chapter in their careers.
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” The skills you have acquired whether in administration, physical fitness, music or catering, are all vital to the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force.
“This is because a military force is not just its aircraft or weaponry; it is the men and women who serve it.
“As you return to your respective units, remember that your role extends far beyond your specific job description.
“You are now ambassadors of NAFIAM and more importantly, pillars of the Nigerian Air Force, “he said
He charged them to embrace the challenges ahead with the same discipline, integrity, and dedication you have shown here and be innovative, be resourceful, and be leaders in every sense of the word.
According to him NAF is a dynamic organisation that demands continuous learning and adaptation.
“You must therefore use the knowledge you have gained to drive positive change and to contribute to a more efficient and responsive force.
” We are all counting on you to be the administrative and managerial backbone that ensures the Nigerian Air Force continues to fulfil its constitutional mandate of defending our nation’s territorial integrity.
“You must therefore uphold the high standard of discipline that the Nigerian Air Force is known for.
“You must always remember that the uniform you wear symbolises more than just your service; it symbolises the Nigerian dream, “he said.
The AOC appreciated the CAS for his unalloyed support to the Ground Training Command, in the training of non-aircrew personnel across various specialties and trades.
He said this had continued to enhance proficiency, professionalism as well as capacity development of non-aircrew personnel in the Nigerian Air Force.
The Commandant, NAFIAM, AVM Muhammad Yusuf said the 165 personnel who graduated were trained in administration, music, physical education, and catering.
Yusuf said,” The institute remains committed to imparting knowledge and enhancing excellence through qualitative training in human resource management, leadership, and administrative fields.
According to him, since his resumption as the Commandant in June 2023, the institution has successfully trained 18 officers from the Ghana Air Force and is expecting another batch from Ghana Air Force and Ghana Navy.
Additionally,” seven senior officers from the Nigerian Navy are undergoing training at the institute.”
The Commandant assured that the institute would continue to strive for greater heights in line with the CAS’s key enabler of “deliberate training and mission-oriented force development.”
He emphasised Naima’s commitment to excellence, international collaboration, and the importance of continuous learning and development in the Nigerian Air Force. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
