The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has called on Nigerian Air Force (NAF) nurses to strengthen their expertise in emergency preparedness and ensure continuity of care during crises.
The CAS made the appeal during the inauguration of a week-long Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Programme for NAF nurses, held at the 462 NAF Hospital, Kaduna.
Represented by Air Commodore Azubike Chukwuka, Medical Officer at the Air Training Command, Abubakar said the training was organised in collaboration with the NAF College of Nursing Sciences and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
Themed ‘Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response in the Nigerian Air Force’, the programme aims to build capacity among NAF nursing personnel in dealing with complex and unpredictable emergencies.
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“In an era marked by increasing global challenges—natural disasters, epidemics, and conflicts—the role of healthcare professionals, especially nurses, has never been more crucial,” the CAS stated.
“Your expertise forms the backbone of our medical response capabilities. Your readiness directly impacts the NAF’s ability to maintain operational continuity during emergencies.”
He noted that modern military operations increasingly encompass not only combat readiness but also humanitarian assistance and disaster response, requiring adaptable and well-trained medical teams.
According to Abubakar, the programme serves as a strategic platform to enhance knowledge, build competencies, and introduce innovative best practices in emergency healthcare delivery.
“Over the coming days, you will gain invaluable insights that directly align with our core mission,” he said.
“Your role goes beyond caring for the sick and wounded—you are integral to building resilience across the NAF.”
He urged the participants to actively engage, question assumptions, and remain open to evolving practices in healthcare delivery.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commandant of the NAF College of Nursing Sciences, Wing Commander Boyi Elisha, said the training would better equip nurses to navigate the increasing complexities of modern healthcare.
He added that the programme would enhance the professional capacity of NAF nurses and enable them to deliver high-quality services in both routine and emergency contexts.
“This training reflects the NAF’s ongoing commitment to excellence in healthcare and to advancing the nursing profession,” Wing Commander Elisha said.